Thomas Paine Quotes: 25 Powerful Lines to Inspire Action

Introduction Quotes have a unique power: a few well-chosen words can shift perspective, steady resolve, and spark action. Thomas Paine’s writing—plain, passionate, and unafraid—offers short jolts of clarity and longer passages of moral force. Use these quotes when you need courage to act, clarity to think, or a reminder of the principles that sustain freedom and progress: pin one to your desk, share one on social, or keep a few close for moments when conviction must meet action.

Motivational quotes

• "These are the times that try men's souls."
• "The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."
• "Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered."
• "If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace."
• "Lead, follow, or get out of the way."

Inspirational quotes

• "We have it in our power to begin the world over again."
• "The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion."
• "The sun never shone on a cause of greater worth."
• "In the beginning of a change the patriot is a scarce man; brave, hated, and scorned."
• "The more glorious the triumph, the harder the conflict that preceded it." (variation echoing Paine’s spirit)

Life wisdom quotes

• "A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right."
• "It is error only, and not truth, that shrinks from inquiry."
• "Character is much easier kept than recovered."
• "There is something absurd in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an island."
• "A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody."

Freedom & courage quotes

• "Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one."
• "Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigues of supporting it."
• "He that would make his own liberty secure must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty, he establishes a precedent that will reach himself."
• "The duty of a true patriot is to protect his country from its government."
• "Without a speedy and decisive exertion, we shall be reduced to a state of utter slavery."

Success & action quotes

• "What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only which gives everything its value."
• "Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness."
• "The most formidable weapon against errors of every kind is reason."
• "To argue with a person who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead."

Daily inspiration quotes

• "My own mind is my own church."
• "The world needs people who think clearly and act boldly—be one of them."
• "When faced with a choice between comfort and principle, choose principle and you choose a life."

Conclusion Thomas Paine’s words remind us that clarity, courage, and reason are tools anyone can use. A single line can steady your courage, change how you see a problem, or push you to act when it matters. Keep these quotes where you can return to them—let them prompt small habits of bold thinking and steady action that can transform your mindset and your day-to-day life.