"O! ye that love mankind! Ye that dare oppose, not only tyranny, but the tyrant, stand forth!'' Published by Thomas Paine in 1776, Common Sense<...
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Apr 28, 2010
Steve
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Some would disregard this work as significant only as a "period piece." No. This is a work of near-perfection in political argument: every section is mature, thoroughly considered, and argued forcefully. I found myself at the end wondering if there could be any question or disagreement with Paine.
But at the foundation of this work is a profound Rousseauvian political philosophy. Everything is considered; Paine starts from the beginning of human history and takes us to the More...
But at the foundation of this work is a profound Rousseauvian political philosophy. Everything is considered; Paine starts from the beginning of human history and takes us to the More...
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Feb 26, 2011
Daniel
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Something everyone should read, study and learn to understand. This pamphlet made a new world. We need such men to stand and inspire us to do the same once again.
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Mar 11, 2009
Shannon
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Penguin Classics - Paine, Thomas, Common Sense, Editor's Introduction (Isaac Kramnick)
Note: Editor's introduction includes quotes from other works; quotations and thoughts in this review may come from various works by Thomas Paine.
It seems that Thomas Paine would have us forget our traditions. If the man were here today writing in the radical and wildly popular style that fomented the American Revolution, many of us who today revere the Founding Fathers and hold the Revo More...
Note: Editor's introduction includes quotes from other works; quotations and thoughts in this review may come from various works by Thomas Paine.
It seems that Thomas Paine would have us forget our traditions. If the man were here today writing in the radical and wildly popular style that fomented the American Revolution, many of us who today revere the Founding Fathers and hold the Revo More...
Feb 26, 2009
Luis
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Common Sense is a strongly worded call for independence of the American Colonies. Paine demonstrates through logical reasoning and factual evidence that America can and must govern itself. The King of England, he maintains is nothing less than a tyrant interested only in the resources and riches of the land. Paine demands equality but asserts that it can never come from England and, therefore, disassociation and independence are the only alternatives. He criticizes the tradition of the monarchy
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Dec 28, 2008
M.C.
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Known to some as a precursor to the Declaration of Independence, Common Sense by Thomas Paine may actually serve as evidence of the blinding effects of fervent patriotism.
Paine masterly grasped the attention of the reader by questioning about the origin of government to stir the desire to question about the evolution of government over time--how government has, over the course of centuries, became what it is. The choice to begin the text with regards to the origin and progress from More...
Paine masterly grasped the attention of the reader by questioning about the origin of government to stir the desire to question about the evolution of government over time--how government has, over the course of centuries, became what it is. The choice to begin the text with regards to the origin and progress from More...
Nov 29, 2011
Laura
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I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I had supposed from the title, that Mr. Paine would endeavor to convince all of his readers that his opinion was right by an appeal to natural law, or 'common' sense. In reality, he defended his conclusions quite often from Scripture (as may be seen below), and did not rely on man's reasoning or conclusions alone to support his case. An excellent, short read.
"Time makes more converts than reason."
"When More...
"Time makes more converts than reason."
"When More...
Oct 19, 2011
Wow! I had no idea that Common Sense was so interesting! There were some points of logic that I didn't quite agree with, but for the most part I liked what Paine said. What I didn't like was that he tries to present his ideas as purely common sense and that every person who can reason will agree with him; however, I found that he included quite a bit of rhetoric that was purely emotional. I think he was much more biased than he gave himself credit for.
Here are some of my favorite q More...
Here are some of my favorite q More...
Sep 26, 2011
Kevin
rated it:
There once was a great country, whose Kings and Queens, decided by birth and not merit, were crowned by the Holy Church, which was wedded to the State. The people were told by this twin power what to believe and how to go about believing. A group of men were fortuitous and brave enough to break free, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson among them, who sought to create a new and more perfect union which would be symbolized by the unfinished pyramid, whose capstone replaced a
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Aug 09, 2011
What's shocking about this essay is not that he actually *says* anything shocking. What's shocking is that his words were actually CONSIDERED shocking to begin with...when written as a precursor to the American Revolution.
For example, Paine points out that there is nothing magical, special or super-human about the British monarchy, or any other monarchy for that matter. In reality, he asserts, they were nothing more than descendants of thieves, rapists, and murderers who became powerful houses More...
For example, Paine points out that there is nothing magical, special or super-human about the British monarchy, or any other monarchy for that matter. In reality, he asserts, they were nothing more than descendants of thieves, rapists, and murderers who became powerful houses More...
Apr 20, 2011
Shawn
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He made some very strong points. Some quotes that appealed to me:
"Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness; the former promotes our happiness positively by uniting our affections, the latter negatively by restraining our vices."
"... government even in its best state is but a necessary evil in its worst state an intolerable one..."
"For were the impulses of conscience clear, uniform, and irresistibly obeyed, ma More...
"Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness; the former promotes our happiness positively by uniting our affections, the latter negatively by restraining our vices."
"... government even in its best state is but a necessary evil in its worst state an intolerable one..."
"For were the impulses of conscience clear, uniform, and irresistibly obeyed, ma More...
Mar 07, 2011
Mark
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This is, of course, a classic pamphlet written at the start of the American Revolution to inspire Americans to rebel against Britain.
It has basically three parts: 1. A critique of monarchy. 2. Why reconciliation with Britain is impossible. 3. Why American can win.
I found section 1 the most interesting. I suppose monarchy isn't all that popular today -- at least other than ceremonial monarchy -- so criticizing it doesn't seem all that groundbreaking or courageous. But most More...
It has basically three parts: 1. A critique of monarchy. 2. Why reconciliation with Britain is impossible. 3. Why American can win.
I found section 1 the most interesting. I suppose monarchy isn't all that popular today -- at least other than ceremonial monarchy -- so criticizing it doesn't seem all that groundbreaking or courageous. But most More...
Jan 06, 2010
Christina
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I read this as a part of Glenn Beck's Common Sense: The Case Against an Out-of-Control Government, Inspired by Thomas Paine - it was included in the back of the book.
After I finally got into the flow of the language, which was difficult for me to follow, I was surprised at how religious some of Thomas Paine's arguments were. My favorite part was near the beginning when he uses biblical examples to argue why people should not have kings.
Thomas Paine was very passionate ab More...
After I finally got into the flow of the language, which was difficult for me to follow, I was surprised at how religious some of Thomas Paine's arguments were. My favorite part was near the beginning when he uses biblical examples to argue why people should not have kings.
Thomas Paine was very passionate ab More...
Sep 11, 2009
Apzmarshl
rated it:
In 1776 Thomas Paine published his pamphlet 'Common Sense'. It was an informative and well written argument for Independence from Great Britain.
This was a short read. His opening paragraph was so true it was poetic. I am going to include some quotes.
"Some writers have so confounded society with government, as to leave little or no distinction between them; whereas they are not only different, but have different origins. Society is produced by our wants, and governmen More...
This was a short read. His opening paragraph was so true it was poetic. I am going to include some quotes.
"Some writers have so confounded society with government, as to leave little or no distinction between them; whereas they are not only different, but have different origins. Society is produced by our wants, and governmen More...
Aug 12, 2009
Catharine
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This pamphlet was included in the back of Glenn Beck's book "Common Sense, the Case against an Out of Control Government, inspired by Thomas Paine."
It was interesting to read Paine's comments in context of the setting of over 200 years ago, and to contemplate the way things are today.
I loved the 2nd section of this pamphlet "On Monarchy and Hereditary Succession. Paine uses the bible to prove that God is against having kings as a form of government, and especially kin More...
It was interesting to read Paine's comments in context of the setting of over 200 years ago, and to contemplate the way things are today.
I loved the 2nd section of this pamphlet "On Monarchy and Hereditary Succession. Paine uses the bible to prove that God is against having kings as a form of government, and especially kin More...
Sep 30, 2010
Michael G.
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Yes, this is a piece of history and should be read by everyone interested in politics. It asks the question; "should we seek Reconciliation with England or Independence from her." Thomas Paine said it was only common sense to break with the King. It was common sense to establish a representative government and not serve a King. It was common sense to limit the terms politicians can serve, because it is best not to allow a person to get established as a career politician, as he woul
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Feb 16, 2010
Cyril
rated it:
A wonderful book that illuminates American history.
These are some of my favorite quotes:
"Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is a necessary evil."
"One of the strongest natural proofs of the folly of hereditary right in kings, is, that nature disapproves it, otherwise she would not so frequently turn it into ridicule by giving mankind an ass for a lion."
"Of more worth is one honest man to so More...
These are some of my favorite quotes:
"Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is a necessary evil."
"One of the strongest natural proofs of the folly of hereditary right in kings, is, that nature disapproves it, otherwise she would not so frequently turn it into ridicule by giving mankind an ass for a lion."
"Of more worth is one honest man to so More...
Sep 02, 2009
Darren
rated it:
I read this so that I'd have it fresh in my mind before reading Glenn Beck's book with a similar title.
Paine carefully lays out the problems with a monarchy, argues in favor of separation from England, suggests an alternative government structure, and even offers up a strategy for building an maintaining a navy superior to that of England.
Paine makes so many good points that it's hard to believe he would use the few that were along the lines of: "if God wanted us t More...
Paine carefully lays out the problems with a monarchy, argues in favor of separation from England, suggests an alternative government structure, and even offers up a strategy for building an maintaining a navy superior to that of England.
Paine makes so many good points that it's hard to believe he would use the few that were along the lines of: "if God wanted us t More...
Apr 18, 2011
Dennis
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I know, I know, how do you give anything less than five stars to common sense? This exposition of political philosophy during the Age of Reason is both impassioned and easy to follow. For me it just petered out during its waning moments of the author decrying the mingling of state and religion, which felt more like a rant than core to the author's main arguments.
I particularly enjoyed Paine's observations on monarchy and the inherently disproportionate power afforded the British ki More...
I particularly enjoyed Paine's observations on monarchy and the inherently disproportionate power afforded the British ki More...
Sep 23, 2010
Jake
rated it:
I have to confess I was nervous about reading Common Sense. I am a fan of Thomas Paine’s The Age of Reason. Frankly I was worried that Paine might discredit my current political beliefs. Instead, I found that Paine’s Common Sense is more complex than right and wrong or left and right.
In 1776, Thomas Paine said, “a long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right…” Paine said this to argue against hereditary rule by kings, especially kings c More...
In 1776, Thomas Paine said, “a long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right…” Paine said this to argue against hereditary rule by kings, especially kings c More...
Nov 06, 2010
Sheila
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I downloaded an e-book copy of this to read because I am reading a biography of George Washington, and this book from the time of America's independance is mentioned.
Reading this, it is interesting to see what the thinking of the American colonies was during this time. And I have to admit, Thomas Paine did make some very valid points, such as this:
"Small islands not capable of protecting themselves, are the proper objects for kingdoms to take under their care; but More...
Reading this, it is interesting to see what the thinking of the American colonies was during this time. And I have to admit, Thomas Paine did make some very valid points, such as this:
"Small islands not capable of protecting themselves, are the proper objects for kingdoms to take under their care; but More...
Nov 03, 2009
Patrick
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Great read! Paine's analysis of the impossibility of the colonies peacefully continuing to submit to the monarchy of England is superb and indeed common sense. It was a logistic, political, and ethical impossibility.
His glossing over of the dangers the new confederation of states would face is more questionable (e.g. claiming that no one reasonable can suppose that one state would try to wield more power than another...when he was obviously not dumb enough to believe that asserti More...
His glossing over of the dangers the new confederation of states would face is more questionable (e.g. claiming that no one reasonable can suppose that one state would try to wield more power than another...when he was obviously not dumb enough to believe that asserti More...
Nov 28, 2010
Ryan
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Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense at a time when essentially all governments in the history of the world had been monarchies, ruled by despotism, or small enough to be totally and functionally nonexistent at a societal level. His articulation of the injustice of hereditary monarchies, military dictatorships, and colonial rule (of white people) is brilliant and ... wait for it... revolutionary.
His reasoning is clear, concise, and absolutely correct. The examples he uses, which range from More...
His reasoning is clear, concise, and absolutely correct. The examples he uses, which range from More...
Nov 01, 2010
Casey
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A fiery polemic written to convince the colonists to throw off the shackles of the British Crown. Anyone familiar with the events of the French and Indian War and the early Revolution (and some experience with older English) should have no trouble following the argument here - Paine lays out historical, Biblical, and "common sense" arguments for the dissolution of absolute monarchy in a clear and straightforward manner.
Paine also lays out some ideas for what his ideal republ More...
Paine also lays out some ideas for what his ideal republ More...
Jan 12, 2010
bup
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My 9th-grade social studies teacher told us Common Sense was an emotional appeal, not rational. I always wondered, and now that I've read it, I agree with her.
It's not all one or the other, of course. Any lengthy piece will have some logic and some emotion. And this one has a little flawed logic as well.
The points I got were, along with my judgments, were -
1) Kings are bad. The bible says so. Emo.
2) Kings exist because of usurpation. No republic would e More...
It's not all one or the other, of course. Any lengthy piece will have some logic and some emotion. And this one has a little flawed logic as well.
The points I got were, along with my judgments, were -
1) Kings are bad. The bible says so. Emo.
2) Kings exist because of usurpation. No republic would e More...
Dec 01, 2009
Kara
rated it:
In Common Sense Paine makes a multi facted argument against British rule using a combination of impassioned, defiant rhetoric and readable prose, that galvanized and inspired the colonists to rally behind a struggling rebellion and transform it into a revolution, creating the worlds first modern republic.
He spells out the idea of the creation of a conferene bewteen the various colonies, the creation of document detaiing the government of the new nation and the rights of all ci More...
Aug 11, 2009
Jeremy
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May 11, 2009
Bird Brian
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NOBODY beats Thomas Paine for pure brassy defiance. Paine's rhetoric is unstoppable, and his character typifies Barry Goldwater's maxim "Moderation in the persuit of Liberty is no virtue...". The spirit of this historic and beloved screed remains as apposite today as it was in 1776. It is extraordinary to think this straightforwardly seditious pamphlet was printed and openly distributed while the American colonies remained firmly under the rule of King George III. Context: he is the sa
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Jun 01, 2008
Victor
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I had some free time at work (as always), so I spent the afternoon with Mr. Paine. Common Sense is a passionately written, cogent argument against the tyrannical nature of monarchy and the necessity of the infant colonies to secede from their union with the "mother" country. Anyone interested in the discourse culminating in the colonies' independence should give it a read.
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Mar 21, 2009
Ruth
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I've always meant to read this because of its significance for the American Revolution, and I'm so glad I did. The title is pretty self-explanatory, and I love how Thomas Paine lays out his arguments in such a simple, straight-forward manner. I'm convinced! To war!! Seriously though, he makes a very compelling case for why America needed to break away from England, and I can see why it was so influential at the time.
The other thing I really enjoyed about Common Sense was that at More...
The other thing I really enjoyed about Common Sense was that at More...
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Aug 04, 2009
A.J.
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"When my country, into which I had just set my foot, was set on fire about my ears, it was time to stir. It was time for every man to stir."
This beautiful quote graces the cover of the Great Ideas series edition of Thomas Paine's timeless Common Sense and sets a unique tone. Historically speaking this small sermon was unlike anything which had been published in the United States to the day, and was invaluable in its immediate impact on the People's conviction for the cause More...
This beautiful quote graces the cover of the Great Ideas series edition of Thomas Paine's timeless Common Sense and sets a unique tone. Historically speaking this small sermon was unlike anything which had been published in the United States to the day, and was invaluable in its immediate impact on the People's conviction for the cause More...
