“Independence is my happiness, and I view things as they are, without regard to place or person; my country is the world, and my religion is to do good.”

Probably the most socialist comment I've read of Paine.

One of the finest of quotations. How socialism is connected with the quote is beyond comprehension.

This is my philosophy in life. Joe doesn't even know the definition of Socialism. Especially when he compares it to China or the Soviet Union.

Great quote

Hey Joe, think Buddhist, not socialist.

I first saw this quote in Paris in 1965. Under the quote was the comment "Thomas Payne, British by birth, French by Decree, and American by choice"

You have to remember the times and context of the quote.  Paine was a significant 'influencer' in the days preceding the war for independence.  Is he not wishing independence for all, not just the American colonies?  Had he not seen the hypocritical wars between different religious factions?  Sounds to me like a cry for freedom of religion years before the Bill of Rights protected it. 

I have no problem with the quote, and it has nothing to do with statist/socialist government.  It's about 'independence' and the desire to 'do good' not to make others do good.

Mr Paine is explaining the characteristics of objectivity. Excellent.