Thomas Paine quotes

“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

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

— Thomas Paine

“But such is the irresistable nature of truth, that all it asks, and all it wants is the liberty of appearing.”

— Thomas Paine

“Human nature is not of itself vicious.”

— Thomas Paine

“It is the direction and not the magnitude which is to be taken into consideration.”

— Thomas Paine

“The abilities of man must fall short on one side or the other, like too scanty a blanket when you are abed. If you pull it upon your shoulders, your feet are left bare; if you thrust it down to your feet, your shoulders are uncovered.”

— Thomas Paine

“Titles are but nicknames, and every nickname is a title.”

— Thomas Paine