"To say that any people are not fit for freedom, is to make poverty their choice, and to say they had rather be loaded with taxes than not."

Freedom

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Insight & Reflection

This reflection on freedom by Thomas Paine resonates across generations. It highlights a fundamental truth about human nature: our continuous search for meaning in freedom is what ultimately defines our character and our path forward.

About Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine was an English-born American Founding Father, inventor, political philosopher, and statesman. He authored Common Sense (1776) and The American Crisis (1776–1783), two of the most influential pamphlets at the start of the American Revolution, and he helped to inspire the colonial era patriots in 1776 to declare independence from Great Britain. His ideas reflected Enlightenment-era ideals of human rights.

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Editorial Note: This quote is curated and fact-checked by the Quotes Archive Editorial Team. Verified Literature Specialist.

More by Thomas Paine

"'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."

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More about Freedom

"What's cool is when you're able to give your audience imagination and you don't have to cage them in like animals."

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"Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility."

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"If Sunday is the Lord's day, then Saturday belongs to the Devil. It is the only night of the week when he gives out Free passes to the Late show at the Too Much Fun Club."

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