Skip to content

The trade of governing has always been monopolized by the most ignorant and the most rascally individuals of mankind.

— Thomas Paine Misattributed

Another quote →

Notes from Wikiquote

Earliest citation to Paine appears to be in "Freedom: A Journal of Anarchist Communism Vol. XXIV". Not found in any of his works.

More quotes by Thomas Paine

It is the duty of every man, so far as his ability extends, to detect and expose delusion and error.

The universe is composed of matter, and, as a system, is sustained by motion.

Discourse to the Theophilanthropists (1798)

To God, and not to man, are all men to account for their belief.

Discourse to the Theophilanthropists (1798)

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigues of supporting it.

Accustom a people to believe that priests or any other class of men can forgive sins, and you will have sins in abundance.

Worship and Church Bells (1797)

All Thomas Paine quotes →

Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Thomas Paine (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.