Thomas Paine Common Sense Summary - 987 Words

Thomas Paine – Common Sense Summary Of all the founding fathers in America’s history few have played a role equalling the paramount importance of Thomas Paine, and few have been so repeatedly overlooked. In ‘Common Sense’, published in 1776, Thomas Paine argues for American Independence. His argument begins with more general, theoretical reflections about government and society, and then progresses onto the specifics of the colonial situation. Paine uses the basic format of proposal and even after so many years, this piece of writing remains one of the best-written articles in the history of the United States. Paine used the common language of the people, which helped him to prove his point more effectively. Paine starts of ‘Common Sense’ with broad comments about government. First, he notices that people have an inclination to blur the differences of government and society. By sharply depicting the opposite, Paine argues that society is worth the endeavour. While government is a â€Å"necessary evil†. Society encourages us to achieve our aspirations, while government is there for the sole purpose of keeping us from indulging in our â€Å"sins† or vices. He continues by saying that it would be far worse if oppression occurred by itself in a society rather than by will of the government of that country. This is because the people create and support the government, and are therefore supporting or backing their own deprived situation. If everyone acted morally then government would notShow MoreRelatedCommon Sense By Thomas Paine Summary802 Words   |  4 Pages In his pamphlet, â€Å"Common Sense†, published anonymously in January 1776, Thomas Pain e argues for the mandatory division from the British Crown in order to create a new united democratic republic of America instead. According to Paine, America no longer requires the British rule, which creates more problems than benefits. He states, that it is beneficial for the new republic’s economy to stop participating in the unnecessary wars with other countries, in which Britain performs. This forcedRead MoreThomas Paine, an American Philosopher1267 Words   |  6 PagesAn American born philosopher, Thomas Paine, was a strong adherent for independence and was agnostic in the government. Born on January 29, 1737, Paine lived what we would now call a tough life (http://www.britannica.com). At a young age, Paine had to withdraw from school to help his father with work. He attempted many jobs such as a hunting smuggler and a collector of tobacco and liquor taxes (http://www.britannica.com). Paine failed at those other jobs he tried and in 1774, moved to PhiladelphiaRead M oreCommon Sense And The Declaration Of Independence1517 Words   |  7 PagesCommon Sense and the Declaration of Independence are two very important documents in American history. Written by Thomas Paine, although not an official document, promotes thoughts that the citizens understood and needed, but did not know how to express their actions and ideas. The Declaration states the necessary reasons for independence in the colonies as well as the importance that their are equal rights. The Declaration announced to the world as a unanimous decision that the thirteen coloniesRead MoreThomas Paine And The Bill Of Rights880 Words   |  4 PagesThomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson and the Bill of Rights are three things that have some sort of connection. Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson both have documents. Their documents were both a result for the rule that Great Britain had over us. The Bill of Rights is also a piece where its writing had to do with a freedom type document written to let others feel free. Thomas Paine was one of the great supporters of the American Revolution. He was a journalist and used his utensils to get the public toRead MoreThomas Paine s Common Sense Essay813 Words   |  4 PagesThomas Paine began writing Common Sense in late 1775 under the working title of Plain Truth. With Benjamin Rush, who helped him edit it, publish it, and suggested the final title, Paine developed his ideas into a forty-eight page pamphlet. He published Common Sense anonymously because of its treasonable content. Rush recommended the printer Robert Bell, promising Paine that, where other printers might say no because of the content of the pamphlet, Bell would not hesitate nor delay its printing. PaineRead MoreCommon Sense1686 Words   |  7 PagesBrief biography Thomas Paine’s life started in January 29, 1737 in the town of Thetford, County Norfolk. Joseph Paine and Frances Cocke were the parents of Thomas Paine and they both wanted him to become something in a higher profession other than to follow his father’s trade. With this intention, his parents made a sacrifice to enrolled Paine into the local grammar school at the age of six in hopes of him becoming a lawyer or a doctor but unfortunately, Paine dropped out of school later on inRead MoreThe British And Indian War1387 Words   |  6 Pagesthe mid-1700’s, British American Colonists were questioning their place under the British crown. The Colonists were proud to be part of the British Empire, especially after the recent victories of the French and Indian war, which gave the colonist a sense of pride and patriotism. However, British Parliament began to pass legislation that had laid a burden on the Colonists, as well as oppression. The Colonists began to question th e power of the Crown, whether the idea of a Monarchy was a primitive styleRead MoreEssay about Paine and Burke1644 Words   |  7 PagesHOBBES AND LOCKE OR PAINE AND BURKE DIFFER. This essay will examine the philosophical difference between Edmund Burke and Thomas Paine relating to the French and American Revolutions at the late Eighteenth Century. We are going to present a summary of the debate between these two different philosophers in the first part of this essay. The pros and cons of each man will be looked at in the second and third part of the essay and the final part of this essay will explain why Thomas Paines view wasRead MoreThomas Paine : A Very Curious Individual1664 Words   |  7 PagesThomas Paine (1737-1809) was a very curious individual. An Englishman who became a champion of the rights of man and free humanity around the globe, he is generally regarded as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, irrespective of the fact that he held no political office and seems to have been somewhat glossed over (if not altogether ignored) by many of the ‘confirmed’ Founders. John Adams, for instance, is said to have pooh-poohed the w ritings of the troublesome Paine, even growingRead MoreThe United States1302 Words   |  6 PagesKentucky - Daniel Boone occupied newly independent areas of KY Thomas Paine’s ‘â€Å"Common Sense† written by Thomas Paine in January 1776 accused King George III of his countless wrongdoings Urged America to declare independence his writing was written in July of 1776, same year the Declaration of Independence was written - not a coincidence, Common Sense inspired it Independence Declared - Declaration of Independence - inspired by Common Sense and the Enlightenment Jefferson and other writers wrote about