Sunday, October 25, 2009

Perspicacity for the Day: Thomas Paine (1737-1809)

- Society in every state is a blessing, but Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one.
- When we are planning for posterity, we ought to remember that virtue is not hereditary.
- A bad cause will ever be supported by bad means and bad men.
- These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserve the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as Freedom should not be highly rated.
- A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice.

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