Common Sense Thomas Paine Analysis
Thomas Paine's pamphlet, Common Sense, is perhaps one of the most influential documents that led to our revolution and our eventual independence. In the pamphlet, he uses reasoning taking from other writers such as John Locke and references many ideas from the age of enlightenment. He starts by defining the differences between society and government, Paine has a high opinion of society, he believes that society in any form is good. While Government is based in the evil of man, he says “government even in its best state is but a necessary evil.” The sole purposes of government, according to Paine, is to preserve the life liberty and property of those it governs. He also said that if a small group of people was placed on an island cut
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While some had argued that their relationship with Britain was fruitful, Paine agrees that it had been fruitful but now it was time for America to evolve, just as a kid grows up. He also states that Britain is only invested in America for their own economic reasons. In addition, Paine says Britain's friendship has turned to hostility recently and they no longer deserve America's loyalty. He says Britain is not the parent of America, instead, he says all of Europe is the parent, for America has people from all over Europe. Therefore he says there is little to gain from staying attached to Britain as they can better trade with the rest of Europe. For these reasons, he urges Americans to break free of British oppression. He even proposes a representative democracy as a way to govern themselves. He then goes into further detail as to how America could break free and why now is the perfect time to do it. He presents some calculation as to how America could match the British navy. The reason they could match it is that “The English list of ships of war, is long and formidable, but not a tenth part of them are at any one time fit for service.” He also says now is a perfect time because their numbers are few and the land it great, the land can be sold to pay off debts and support their new government. Also once they declare independence they might be able to seek help from countries like France or
While some had argued that their relationship with Britain was fruitful, Paine agrees that it had been fruitful but now it was time for America to evolve, just as a kid grows up. He also states that Britain is only invested in America for their own economic reasons. In addition, Paine says Britain's friendship has turned to hostility recently and they no longer deserve America's loyalty. He says Britain is not the parent of America, instead, he says all of Europe is the parent, for America has people from all over Europe. Therefore he says there is little to gain from staying attached to Britain as they can better trade with the rest of Europe. For these reasons, he urges Americans to break free of British oppression. He even proposes a representative democracy as a way to govern themselves. He then goes into further detail as to how America could break free and why now is the perfect time to do it. He presents some calculation as to how America could match the British navy. The reason they could match it is that “The English list of ships of war, is long and formidable, but not a tenth part of them are at any one time fit for service.” He also says now is a perfect time because their numbers are few and the land it great, the land can be sold to pay off debts and support their new government. Also once they declare independence they might be able to seek help from countries like France or