Thomas Paine Quote - Liberty Quotes Blog

"The most formidable weapons against errors of every kind is reason.
I have never used any other, and I trust I never shall."

by:	Thomas Paine (1737-1809) US Founding father, pamphleteer, author
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Categories:	Power, Reason, Tolerance, Trust, Truth, War
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Reader comments about this quote:

-- gdg, windsor, on
Beats the heck out of politics and kissing a@# but not sure it always works especially on this site with some people. -- Waffler, Smith, Arkansas
Combating error with reason under most circumstances can be a formidable ally BUT, reason must be based on a depth of true knowledge and application understanding, law, morals etc. -- Mike, Norwalk 1
-- jim k, austin
The second most formidable weapon against errors is measure twice and cut once plus all the Mike stuff... -- RobertSRQ
Reason is the fabled "common sense" that is so uncommon. A knowledge of history, experience and learning from personal failure, and the willingness to look at things objectively are all necessary to the proper application of reason. Many are so adamant in their errors because their own minds are clouded by emotional rather than rational thought. Emotions are terrific for things that require an emotional response. Emotion leads to foolish decisions when things require a rational response. -- Ken, Allyn, WA 1
Before you decide that reason does not always work you need to get some. -- warren, olathe 1
This is the fundamental basis of a liberty-loving people. As 'the truth shall set you free,' reason and honest observation lead the way to liberation. Funny how Waffler believes HE is the reasonable one. ;-) It just goes to show that arrogance and ignorance combined produce self-righteousness and servitude to 'authority.' -- E Archer, NYC 1
If more people used reason there would be less ideology and blind faith -- Jack, Green, OH 1
Archer I did not say that, quit speaking for others, I said ones world view affects ones reason. -- Waffler, Smith, Arkansas 1
Reason is the only answer. It is what makes us human, and separates us from the animals that rip and tear at each other. The only time that reason doesn't work. is when the other person only wants to win, and has no desire to be reasonable. Lincoln said to always appeal to the better angels of men, and to seize the moral high ground, and never, ever relinquish it. He understood that most people do not know the value, and reason for doing the honorable thing. So show them, and most will fallow. -- Ken, Milford Pa 1
Waffler, if you can't be honest with yourself then you can't be honest with anyone else either. You most certainly did not say "ones world view affects ones reason" otherwise that would have been what was there. You said, "...not sure it [reason] always works especially on this site with some people," and you have not included yourself as 'some people' so therefore you believe you ARE the reasonable one, and the others are not. How about paying better attention to what you say? -- E Archer, NYC 1
It's funny how Waffler gets tripped up by 'reason.' Classic progressive liberalism... -- E Archer, NYC
-- jim k, Austin

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