Thomas Paine?

Question

what do you think of thomas paine? i love learning about him and phamplet, Common Sense.

Answer 1

I think it's sad that our schools have relegated him to footnote status; some of his ideas are just as radical today as they were then, and as a result our public schools would rather downplay him to avoid any controversies (or need for real thinking).

In a time when puritanism ruled the hearts & minds of men, he dared to speak out against the irrationality, hypocrisy, tyranny and barbarism of xtianity. (And to a lesser extent, all religion in general.) This was in addition to his verbal attacks against the monarchy which even taken alone distinguished him as a true thinker. Paine was vehemently against tyranny in all its forms, both the political tyranny of govt. and religion's tyranny of the mind. For that, he has my respect as a true freethinker and advancer of mankind.

Answer 2

I think Thomas Paine was an important figure in the American revolution. Like you I love learning about him and Common Sense is one of my most loved important documents of America. Paine was one of the most inspiring figure in fighting against a government that seemed unfair to the colonists (or Americans)

His views expressed that the Brittish rule over the colonies was unreasonable and ineffective. One thing he pointed out in his pamphlet was that communication beetween Britain and the colonies was unrealiable since if something happened to the goverment in Britian, it would take an year to reach the colonies!He also points out that there is a difference between the government and society. (govt. caused by evil and wickedness whilst society unites with happiness).
He also found it odd, as many of us would, to find an island colonizing a continent.

If I were to use two words to describe the origin of the revolution for independence, I would prefer "Common Sense" over "Freedom, justice", for these succinctly reflect the argument against the British rule. Never was there a published work that struck a chord with the very fabric of a young American society trying to shake off the colonialism.

"I offer nothing but the simple facts, plain arguments and common sense."