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. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Warns that crises test character, praising those who endure, and stresses that freedom's value is proven through struggle.
- In plain terms
- Hard times reveal true heroes and give freedom value.
- What can you take from it?
- Endure hardship to earn freedom's worth.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why does hardship increase value?
- How to support those who endure?
Another view
Romanticizes struggle without addressing causes.
More from Thomas Paine
I bid you farewell,sincerely wishing, that as men and christians, ye may always fully and uninterruptedly enjoy every civil and religious right.
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