Common Sense

Common Sense is a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1776, during the American Revolution. It was a powerful and persuasive argument for American independence from British rule, written in clear, direct language that appealed to the common people.

Key Points of Common Sense:

Case for Independence - Paine argued that the American colonies should break free from British rule, calling monarchy and hereditary succession unnatural and unjust.

Criticism of Monarchy - He attacked King George III and the idea of monarchy itself, stating that all men are born equal and should not be ruled by a distant king.

Natural Rights & Government - Paine drew on Enlightenment ideas, particularly John Locke's philosophy, stating that government should protect life, liberty, and property, and derive its power from the people.

Economic & Strategic Arguments - He claimed that America would thrive economically without British interference and that it was absurd for a small island (Britain) to rule a vast continent (America).

Call to Action - Paine urged colonists to take up arms against British tyranny, inspiring many to support the Revolutionary cause.

Common Sense was wildly popular, selling over 500,000 copies (equivalent to millions today) and widely read aloud in public.

It helped shift public opinion toward independence, paving the way for the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776).

Paine donated his profits to the Continental Army, showing his commitment to the cause.

Paine's Common Sense remains one of the most influential political writings in history, embodying revolutionary ideals that inspired not only America but also later movements for democracy worldwide.

About the Author

Thomas Paine (1737-1809) was a fiery revolutionary writer whose words helped shape two great revolutions. Born in England, he sailed to America in 1774 and soon became the voice of rebellion. His explosive pamphlet Common Sense (1776) convinced ordinary Americans to fight for independence, selling like wildfire across the colonies.

When the Revolution seemed darkest, his American Crisis essays rallied Washington's freezing troops at Valley Forge with the immortal words: "These are the times that try men's souls." After America's victory, he jumped into the French Revolution, writing Rights of Man to defend liberty against tyranny.

But Paine's radicalism cost him. His anti-religious work The Age of Reason made him enemies, and he died poor in New York, abandoned by the nation he helped create. Though forgotten at death, history remembers him as the revolutionary who proved words could be mightier than swords.