"A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right"

This quote by Thomas Paine is a reminder that we must not take things at stated value. It suggests that if something has actually been accepted as regular for an extended period of time, it can give the impression that it is right, even if it is really wrong. Paine is alerting us to be aware of this and to believe seriously about the things we accept as regular. He is motivating us to question the status quo and to believe for ourselves. This quote is a suggestion that just because something has actually been accepted for a long period of time, it doesn't always indicate it is right. We must constantly be open to questioning our beliefs and to considering alternative viewpoints.