In this excerpt from The American Crisis, Thomas Paine emphasizes the idea that significant achievements often come with considerable struggle and sacrifice. He uses the metaphor of tyranny being "like hell" to convey the difficulty of overcoming oppressive systems. The notion that "the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph" suggests that the value of success is heightened by the challenges faced in achieving it. Paine argues that things obtained too easily are not held in high regard, and it is the struggle — the "dearness" — that imparts true value to our victories. This sentiment encapsulates the resilience and determination required in the fight for freedom and justice, particularly during times of crisis.
According to Paine,
is the result of a harder conflict.
“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 everything its value.”
–Thomas Paine
American Crisis, Number 1
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