Monday, December 23, 2013

Thomas Paine and The American Crisis

Today marks the anniversary of the publication of one of Thomas Paine's most celebrated works, The American Crisis, a series of pamphlets published over a span of seven years during the Revolutionary War. The first pamphlet was published on December 23, 1776, and contained some of Paine's most memorable work. A few of those words from the first pamphlet include:

"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."
 "I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. '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."

(from WikiQuotes)

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