Virtues are acquired through endeavor, Which rests wholly upon yourself. So, to praise others for their virtues Can but encourage one's own efforts.
Thomas Paine

War involves in its progress such a train of unforeseen circumstances that no human wisdom can calculate the end; it has but one thing certain, and that is to increase taxes.
Thomas Paine

We can only reason from what is; we can reason on actualities, but not on possibilities.
Thomas Paine

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

What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value.
Thomas Paine

When men yield up the privilege of thinking, the last shadow of liberty quits the horizon.
Thomas Paine

When we are planning for posterity, we ought to remember that virtue is not hereditary.
Thomas Paine