Government by kings was first introduced into the world by Heathens, from which the children of Israel copied the custom, It was the most prosperous … - Thomas Paine

I have now gone through the examination of the four books ascribed to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; and when it is considered that the whole space of time, from the crucifixion to what is called the ascension, is but a few days, apparently not more than three or four, and that all the circumstances are reported to have happened nearly about the same spot, Jerusalem, it is, I believe, impossible to find in any story upon record so many and such glaring absurdities, contradictions, and falsehoods, as are in those books. They are more numerous and striking than I had any expectation of finding, when I began this examination, and far more so than I had any idea of when I wrote the former part of 'The Age of Reason.

Daca datorez bani cuiva si nu ii pot plati, iar acela ameninta ca ma arunca in inchisoare, datoria mea poate fi luata asupra sa de altcineva si o poate plati in locul meu. Dar daca am savarsit o infractiune, se schimba toate circumstantele cazului: dreptatea morala nu-l poate socoti vinovata pe cel nevinovat chiar daca cel nevinovat s-ar oferi pe sine. A presupune ca o astfel de actiune este un lucru drept inseamna a distruge principiul existentei sale, care este insasi dreptatea.

Society is produced by our wants, and government by wickedness; the former promotes our happiness positively by uniting our affections, the latter negatively by restraining our vices. The one encourages intercourse, the other creates distinctions. The first is a patron, the last a punisher.