8 quotes
No nation ought to be without a debt. A national debt is a national bond; and when it bears no interest, is in no case a grievance.
Common Sense (1776)
We have it in our power to begin the world over again.
Common Sense (1776)
Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil.
Common Sense (1776)
A situation, similar to the present, hath not happened since the days of Noah until now. The birthday of a new world is at hand, and a race of men, perhaps as numerous as all Europe contains, are to receive their portion of freedom from the event of a few months.
Common Sense (1776)
In the early ages of the world, according to the Scripture chronology there were no kings; the consequence of which was, there were no wars; it is the pride of kings which throws mankind into confusion.
Common Sense (1776)
A long habit of not thinking a thing WRONG, gives it a superficial appearance of being RIGHT, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom. But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason.
Common Sense (1776)
[G]overnment even in its best state is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one
Common Sense (1776)
O ye that love mankind! Ye that dare oppose, not only the tyranny, but the tyrant, stand forth! Every spot of the old world is overrun with oppression. Freedom hath been hunted round the globe. Asia, and Africa, have long expelled her — Europe regards her like a stranger, and England hath given her warning to depart. O! receive the fugitive, and prepare in time an asylum for mankind.
Common Sense (1776)