On this day in 1776, Thomas Paine’s immortal words inspired the revolutionary army…
‘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: Thomas Paine publishes “The American Crisis”
While I no longer believe in ‘american exceptionalism’ there is no doubt this is an exceptional example of words that inspired men to great deeds. You can read the entire pamphlet at no cost here (and I believe every American should read this at least once in their lifetime):
Bright, shiny objects! 