Read the passage. what we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly;—'tis dearness only that gives every thing its value. heaven knows how to set a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated. what is the main idea thomas paine was conveying in this excerpt? people must find easier ways to obtain freedom and justice. we overvalue the principle of freedom and must reconsider its worth. freedom is costly, but anything truly worthwhile comes at a high price. certain principles are timeless and will develop on their own.