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We have it in our power to begin the world over again.

— Thomas Paine Common Sense (1776)

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Source, in full

"Common Sense" (1776), conclusion; in Philip S. Foner, ed., The Complete Writings of Thomas Paine (1945), vol. 1, p. 45. Quoted by President Ronald Reagan in a televised presidential campaign debate with Walter F. Mondale (October 7, 1984).

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Society

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)

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One country, one constitution, one destiny.

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Carl Sagan Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space (1994)

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.