Thomas Paine
  • My country is the world, and my religion is to do good.

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

  • Government, even in its best state, 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.

  • 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.