Of all the tyrannies that affect mankind, tyranny in religion is the worst.
The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the man that can smile in trouble,...
He that rebels against reason is a real rebel, but he that in defence of reason rebels against tyranny has a better title to Defender of the Faith, than George the Third.
Calumny is a vice of curious constitution trying to kill it keeps it alive leave it to itself and it will die a natural death.
The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.
The harder the conflict the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap we esteem too lightly 'tis dearness only that gives everything it's value.
That there are men in all countries who get their living by war, and by keeping up the quarrels of Nations is as shocking as it is true...
The greatest remedy for anger is delay.
Let them call me a rebel and welcome. I feel no concern from it. But should I suffer the misery of devils, were I to make a whore of my soul.
Persecution is not an original feature in any religion but it is always the strongly marked feature of all religions established by law.
Any system of religion that has anything in it that shocks the mind of a child, cannot be true.
Human nature is not of itself vicious.
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.
Every science has for its basis a system of principles as fixed and unalterable as those by which the universe is regulated and governed. Man cannot make principles he can only discover them.
All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit.
I prefer peace. But if trouble must come, let it come in my time, so that my children can live in peace.
The instant formal government is abolished, society begins to act. A general association takes place, and common interest produces common security.
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.
'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.
What we obtain too cheaply, we esteem too lightly; it's dearness only that gives everthing its value.