“Government seems to me to be a part of religion itself — a thing sacred in its institutions and ends.”

— William Penn, Preface to the Charter of Liberties and Frame of Government (5 May 1682)

About William Penn

1644 – 1718

English Quaker and founder of the Province of Pennsylvania, author of "Some Fruits of Solitude".

“Patience and diligence, like faith, remove mountains.”

“No pain, no palm; no thorns, no throne; no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown.”

“Let men be good, and the government cannot be bad; if it be ill, they will cure it.”

“If you command wisely, you'll be obeyed cheerfully.”

“A little flesh, a little breath, and a Reason to rule all—that is myself.”

“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, but your government only when it deserves it.”

“The one duty we owe to history is to rewrite it.”

“We live in a country where the people own the Government and not in a country where the Government owns the people.”

“Where there is great power there is great responsibility.”