Thomas Paine

The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.

The World is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion.

'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.

I prefer peace. But if trouble must come, let it come in my time, so that my children can live in peace.

The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.

Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one.