"The World is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion"

Thomas Paine’s declaration reveals a worldview that transcends the typical boundaries set by nation, creed, and narrow self-interest. By embracing the world as his country, he dismisses the confines of nationalism and the notion that one's primary loyalty must lie with a specific nation-state. Instead, he suggests that humanity is interconnected, a single, global community to which all people belong.

Emphasizing that all mankind are his brethren, Paine appeals to a sense of universal kinship. He sees no essential division among people based on race, nationality, or class. Everyone, regardless of background, is worthy of equal respect and compassion. This perspective arises from the Enlightenment belief in the innate dignity and equality of all people, encouraging s sense of solidarity and mutual responsibility.

The assertion that “to do good is my religion” signals a shift from adherence to dogma or institutionalized faith toward a morality rooted in action and benevolence. For Paine, virtuous deeds and striving to benefit others form the core of his ethical system, overriding sectarian ritual or theological difference. Religion, in his understanding, is not about external conformity but about the practical pursuit of justice, charity, and kindness in everyday life. It is a call to prioritize ethical conduct over rigid belief systems, and to act based on values that enhance the well-being of others.

Taken together, these ideals champion cosmopolitanism, humanitarianism, and rational morality. Paine envisions a society where people see themselves first as citizens of the world, bound to one another through the bonds of shared humanity and mutual goodwill, committed to improving the lives of others. His words challenge us to broaden our sympathies beyond parochial interests and make generosity, empathy, and the pursuit of the common good central to our personal and collective lives.