More Timeless Wisdom via Thomas Paine

Poor Madison has been carrying all the weight lately. He was an exceptionally wise man on issues of liberty and gov't. It's amazing that he was surrounded by a cast of characters that also exhibited exceptional understanding and wisdom.
One fiery patriot was Thomas Paine.
He had trouble controlling his temper on issues related to freedom, liberty, revolution and tyranny. He was, as some say today, inflammatory. I call it passionate.
Sadly, later in life he died alone, penny less, and insane.
His contributions to our Constitution and Republican gov't are truly priceless. I wish he were here with us today.
At least his words and wisdom are still with us, even though no one seems to remember them.
Here is a little reminder.

But where says some is the King of America? I'll tell you Friend, he reigns above, and doth not make havoc of mankind like the Royal Brute of Britain...let it be brought forth placed on the divine law, the word of God; let a crown be placed thereon, by which the world may know, that so far as we approve of monarchy, that in America THE LAW IS KING.
Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776

Freedom had been hunted round the globe; reason was considered as rebellion; and the slavery of fear had made men afraid to think. But such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing.
Thomas Paine, Rights of Man, 1791

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 to himself.
Thomas Paine, Dissertation on First Principles of Government, December 23, 1791

If, from the more wretched parts of the old world, we look at those which are in an advanced stage of improvement, we still find the greedy hand of government thrusting itself into every corner and crevice of industry, and grasping the spoil of the multitude. Invention is continually exercised, to furnish new pretenses for revenues and taxation. It watches prosperity as its prey and permits none to escape without tribute.
Thomas Paine, Rights of Man, 1791

Society in every state is a blessing, but government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one; for when we suffer or are exposed to the same miseries by a government, which we might expect in a country without government, our calamity is heightened by reflecting that we furnish the means by which we suffer.
Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776

These next two are my personal favorites. Short, to the point, and very timely.

If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.
Thomas Paine, The American Crisis, No. 1, December 19, 1776

We have it in our power to begin the world over again.
Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776

What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.
Thomas Paine, The American Crisis, No. 1, December 19, 1776

When we are planning for posterity, we ought to remember that virtue is not hereditary.
Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776

Once again, the Founders reach out to us from the past to aid us during desperate times.
Only a fool or a tyrant would fail to accept their assistance, freely given, when so much is at stake.
Is it the fool or the tyrant that currently inhabits the halls of our government?

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