Thomas Paine’s Common Sense
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense
Thomas Paine was born in Britain, on January 29, 1737. Paine's formal education lasted only until the age of thirteen since after that he began working for his father. In Common Sense, Thomas Paine is setting forth his arguments in favor of American independence. His main argument is about government, religion and on specifics of the colonial situation. The main point that Thomas Paine make is that colonies should declare independence; independence is preferable to reconciliation because it is simpler and independence is the only bond that can keep the colonies together. Paine is letting know about his religious toleration and that he believes in God. Paine says that the colonies have little to gain from remaining attached to Britain. Commerce can be better conducted with the rest of Europe, but only after America becomes independent. Paine also asserts that if the colonies remain attached to Britain, the same problems that have arisen in the past will arise in the future. Paine argues that it is necessary to seek independence now, as to do otherwise would only briefly cover up problems that will surely reemerge. Also, Paine discusses how people will be much happier if they are responsible for the creation of the laws that rule them. The British government system is to complex and rife with contradictions, and that the monarchy is granted far too much power. The British system pretends to offer a reasonable system of checks and balances, but in fact, it does not.
Common Sense was crucial in turning American opinion against Britain and was one of the key factors in the colonies' decision to engage in a battle for complete independence. Paine presents government as an institution whose sole function is to restrain the evil in man. Furthermore, he presents society as the force that "promotes our happiness positively". Government, then, is conceived of as simply a preventative force, while any positive or creative acts are up to
Thomas Paine was born in Britain, on January 29, 1737. Paine's formal education lasted only until the age of thirteen since after that he began working for his father. In Common Sense, Thomas Paine is setting forth his arguments in favor of American independence. His main argument is about government, religion and on specifics of the colonial situation. The main point that Thomas Paine make is that colonies should declare independence; independence is preferable to reconciliation because it is simpler and independence is the only bond that can keep the colonies together. Paine is letting know about his religious toleration and that he believes in God. Paine says that the colonies have little to gain from remaining attached to Britain. Commerce can be better conducted with the rest of Europe, but only after America becomes independent. Paine also asserts that if the colonies remain attached to Britain, the same problems that have arisen in the past will arise in the future. Paine argues that it is necessary to seek independence now, as to do otherwise would only briefly cover up problems that will surely reemerge. Also, Paine discusses how people will be much happier if they are responsible for the creation of the laws that rule them. The British government system is to complex and rife with contradictions, and that the monarchy is granted far too much power. The British system pretends to offer a reasonable system of checks and balances, but in fact, it does not.
Common Sense was crucial in turning American opinion against Britain and was one of the key factors in the colonies' decision to engage in a battle for complete independence. Paine presents government as an institution whose sole function is to restrain the evil in man. Furthermore, he presents society as the force that "promotes our happiness positively". Government, then, is conceived of as simply a preventative force, while any positive or creative acts are up to