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

  • I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. '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.

  • Society in every state is a blessing, but government, even in its best stage, is but a necessary evil in its worst state an intolerable one.

  • The instant formal government is abolished, society begins to act. A general association takes place, and common interest produces common security.

  • Suspicion is the companion of mean souls, and the bane of all good society.