ipl-logo

Common Sense By Thomas Paine Analysis

881 Words4 Pages

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions when it comes to touchy subjects, however, only a few are capable of generating distinct and unique ideas that differ from others. Thomas Paine was one of the few, going against the norm that a government is a necessity to a country, Paine believes that a “government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil” (4). In Paine’s pamphlet, Common Sense, Paine argues about his perspective on society and government, saying that it is misguiding that “writers have so confounded society with government” (3). In order to express his belief that mankind is naturally equal and that the government should reflect this state of equality, Paine, through Common Sense, made many arguments that I believe were …show more content…

To demonstrate his theory on society and government, Paine visualizes “a small number of persons settled in some… part of earth, unconnected with the rest; they will then represent the first people of any country. In this state of natural liberty, society would be their first thought” and “the strength of one man is so unequal to his wants, that he is soon obliged to seek assistance and relief of another, who in his turn requires the same” (5). I find this way of reasoning to be totally preposterous -- there is no way he can be confident that “society” would be the first thought in every single person’s head and that everyone would seek help from one another. To show why I think this, let’s look at “On the Present Ability of America, with some Miscellaneous Reflection,” where Paine used a similar method of reasoning to come up with another assumption that the U.S. has the ability to compete against Great Britain -- saying that “’Tis not in numbers but in unity that our great strength lies: yet our present numbers are sufficient to repel the force of all the world” (107). Paine was a political activist and philosopher, not a military leader; I highly doubt he had a full grasp of neither the U.S. nor the Britain’s naval capability to say that the U.S. can rival against the world. And like his story with the people in an island, I feel like Paine is being illogical to base his opinions on

Show More
Related

  • Should The Patriots Want To Change?

    699 Words  | 3 Pages

    I answer roundly that America would have flourished as much, and probably much more, had no European power taken any notice of her. The [trade goods] by which she hath enriched herself are the necessaries of life, and will always have a market while eating is the custom of Europe.” Paine is upset that European power is holding America back and if Europe hadn’t taken any notice in America they would have flourished a lot more than Great Britain. He’s also saying that if this hadn’t happen the people would be more happy. Their rights are being stripped from them and they will end up under total control of the king if they don’t take a stand.

    Read More

  • Why Thomas Paine Wrote Common Sense

    126 Words  | 1 Pages

    In the eighteenth century there was a mix of opposition of independence, and a hope that the new nation would become a home of freedom. Thomas Paine’s argument was that America needs to gain independence from England. Some of the reasons Paine wrote Common Sense is because of unnecessary wars, monarchial government, and the way Britain treated America. Regardless of Paine’s popularity with Common Sense, Jonathan Boucher was a minister who explained his opposition of the revolutionary movement in his sermons. He believed if God wanted America to be independent it would have happened, and it is our duty as citizens to obey the laws because we will be disobedient to God.

    Read More

  • Excerpts Of Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense'

    260 Words  | 2 Pages

    Throughout the excerpts of Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” he makes many compelling points on why America during that time was in the perfect position for independence. In the first paragraph Paine writes about how the economy of the colonies could thrive if they were not under the rule of the Britain. He makes points on how if America was not limited in trade by Britain and the colonies had its own legislative branch the economy would be a lot stronger. In the second paragraph Thomas Paine talks about how in the past if the colonies tried to rebel their military would not have been ready but during the time “Common Sense” was written the American military was ready. Another factor in why Paine supported Colonist independence was because it was

    Read More

  • Summary Of Common Sense By Thomas Paine

    197 Words  | 1 Pages

    Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 10 January 1776 (24): This relates to my book because Paine, states that it is the responsibility of our government to protect religious liberties and that there should be a various opinions on religion because it is good to be a kind Christian. This goes back what the author was stating about individuals assuming everyone is a part of the majority religion, and his topic of the separation of church and state. The Fundamental Agreement or Original Constitution of the Colony of New Haven, 4 June 1639 (2): It relates to my book because there is an introduction of the individuals living according to Christ, and those members having the power to make and repeal laws. This also goes along with the topic of separation

    Read More

  • Paine's Argument For American Independence

    887 Words  | 4 Pages

    “The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind” (Paine 1). With the Revolutionary War beginning in 1775, and the publication of Common Sense, by Thomas Paine, only a year later, this statement was widely recognized and addressed the issue at hand: the fight for independence. According to Paine’s assertion, America’s desire for peace and freedom is a basic necessity of life; it is what all men desire. Despite this innate thirst for liberty, many residents of America’s thirteen colonies were fearful of Great Britain, and because of this fear, complied with Great Britain’s every whim. Consequently, most colonists were hesitant to fight against the mother country for independence.

    Read More

  • Summary Of Common Sense By Thomas Paine

    182 Words  | 1 Pages

    On January 10, 1776 (during the American Revolution) Thomas Paine published a pamphlet titled “Common Sense”. In this he sets his arguments in favor of American independence, the pamphlet was written in clear and persuasive prose. It inspired people in the Thirteen colonies to declare and fight for egalitarian government from Great Britain and because of this the pamphlet was an immediate sensation. The pamphlet was originally published anonymously and was one of the most influential pamphlets in America.

    Read More

  • Common Sense Vs. Plain Truth By Thomas Paine And James Chalmers

    1069 Words  | 5 Pages

    According to Paine, “Even though people of the colonies were paying taxes and were pushed into wars caused by British, they were unfairly not represented in the British Parliament”. (109) Since Paine’s main goal is to target the common man of the society; he directs his argument by using the Bible and emotions to back up his own discussion. Paine indicates that all people are born equally and there is no one given the power to rule over other human beings. Then he uses Bible quotes to explicitly disagree with the presence of Monarchy rule used by the Great Britain.

    Read More

  • Compare And Contrast The American Revolution And Inglis

    713 Words  | 3 Pages

    Paine is against America having a connection with Britain and a single person having power. As Paine expresses, King George III is not and should not be able to be in power of the colonists because mankind is created to be equal and therefore kings should be “disapproved by nature” (Paine 217). Not only does Paine express his anger at the topic of a ruler for all, he also voices that America is connected to whatever Britain does and whatever problems Britain has: implying that America has no say what so ever under Britain (Paine 218). Paine is suggesting that Britain is not only hurting but also is subordinating America and its colonies, so a declaration of independence is in need.

    Read More

  • Rhetorical Analysis Of Common Sense By Thomas Paine

    585 Words  | 3 Pages

    One of the Founding Fathers, Thomas Paine, in his pamphlet, “Common Sense”, addressed a response to the American Revolution. Paine’s purpose for writing the piece was to convince the colonists to declare independence from Great Britain. He adopts a patriotic tone, explaining the advantages of and the need to proclaim independence from a tyrannical country. Paine also utilizes multiple rhetorical strategies, and any means necessary, to persuade his audience to share in his beliefs. With the use of constructed argument and rhetorical devices such as ethos, logos and pathos, as well as diction and syntax, Paine is able to present the argument that the United States should strive for its independence from England.

    Read More

  • Thomas Paine Common Sense Essay

    654 Words  | 3 Pages

    Before this many Colonists did not know of the harsh injustices done by the British. They also did not believe that the cause for revolution was urgent. Thomas Paine showed them that the cause was urgent by explaining the wrongs the British had committed and why King George was a tyrant. He also showed them that America did not need the British Empire 's protection. This quote shows his reasoning “Small islands, not capable of protecting themselves, are the proper objects for kingdoms to take under their care; but there is something absurd, in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an island.”

    Read More

  • Rhetorical Analysis Of Thomas Paine's The Crisis

    513 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the winter of 1776, during American Revolution, the still young America faced three major dilemmas: their seemingly imminent defeat, the moral debate between the Whigs and the British loyalists, and the panic and confusion of the American public. In efforts to settle the three American dilemmas, Thomas Paine wrote The Crisis No. 1 in December of 1776. In his work, Paine aimed to calm the American public and convince them to stand up to the British, and turn the war into an American victory. Paine was very successful in this, and his paper was proclaimed as one of the most persuasive works of the American Revolution. Paine’s

    Read More

  • Rhetorical Analysis Of Thomas Paine

    958 Words  | 4 Pages

    Thomas Paine, a local pamphleteer in the pre-Revolutionary War era, wrote a convincing pamphlet to any colonists who were not already supporting the war for independence from Great Britain. In his argument, Paine uses rhetorical strategy, an emotional aspect, and divine revelation towards the citizens to create a very moving, passionate, and convincing call to arms. The first line, “These are the times that tried men 's souls,” is one of relatability and preparedness for the oncoming difficult times. Paine starts his essay off with a refutation of his argument, stating that although he wants this fight, he knows it will be tough. Paine then challenges the men’s bravery and patriotism to their country by stating the line “The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country.”

    Read More

  • Thomas Paine Common Sense Research Paper

    70 Words  | 1 Pages

    Do you think Thomas Paine was the one who thought out the common sense. Well he actually didn 't others like John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Ben franklin also came up with some ideas. The common sense persuaded many to fight for independence. More than 120,000 copies were made even thought it was hard to print because of the treason going on.. Its was a bestseller.

    Read More

  • Rousseau Vs Thomas Paine Essay

    1232 Words  | 5 Pages

    Thomas Paine opposes the ideology of government, stating that, “Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil,” (Paine 3). Essentially, the purpose of government is to protect people from preforming vices, and defend their natural right to Locke’s ideology of life, liberty and property. Without government, coercion would occur, and destroy one’s ability to express their natural rights. For America, Paine believes that the establishment of a strong fundamental government could allow for the cohesion of citizens to form a society respected by other nations

    Read More

  • Analysis Essay On Common Sense By Thomas Paine

    528 Words  | 3 Pages

    Common Sense Analysis “I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common scenes.” (Thomas Paine, Common sense) This is the beginning sentence of “Common scene” written by Thomas Paine. Common sense s is a pamphlet written during a time of struggle between the British Monarchy and the American colonies. It was written to convince the colonist that their government had did them wrong and that they should gain their independence from Britain, by using different type rhetorical devices such as ethos, pathos, and others.

    Read More

More about Common Sense By Thomas Paine Analysis

Open Document