Army Quote by Thomas Paine
“Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods. It would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as Freedom should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to tax) but "to bind us in all cases whatsoever," and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious, for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.”
About This Quote
Source Pamphlet: Common Sense, 1776
Freedom is a divine right that cannot be legitimately priced or restricted by human authority, and any coercive power is akin to slavery.
In simple terms: Freedom is a God‑given right, not a commodity.
Key Takeaway
Guard liberty against unjust authority.
Themes
freedom
tyranny
rights
politics
Mood
defiant
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
activist
When to use this quote
- civil protest
- voting
- legal challenges
- education campaigns
Key Concepts
social contract
natural rights
political philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What does freedom mean to you personally?
- How can societies balance security and liberty?
A Different Perspective
Even with divine authority, societies may still accept coercion as normal.
![“So that originally, and Naturally, there is no such thing as Slavery. Joseph was rightfully no more a Slave to his brethren, then they were to him: and they no more Authority to Sell him, than they had to Slay him. [Genesis 37].” quote by Samuel Sewall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/613/samuel-sewall-95664_bible-interpretation_so-that-originally-and-naturally-there-i_2619011.jpg)
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
