for this continent would never suffer itself to be drained of inhabitants, to support the British arms in either Asia, Africa, or Europe. - Thomas Paine

There is something in meanness which excites a species of resentment that never subsides, and something in cruelty which stirs up the heart to the highest agony of human hatred.

Each of those churches show certain books, which they call revelation, or the word of God. The Jews say, that their word of God was given by God to Moses, face to face; the Christians say, that their word of God came by divine inspiration; and the Turks say, that their word of God (the Koran) was brought by an angel from Heaven. Each of those churches accuse the other of unbelief; and for my own part, I disbelieve them all.

What we obtain too cheaply, we esteem too lightly; it's dearness only that gives everthing its value.