Key Messages
How Thomas Paine’s Common Sense Pamphlet Revolutionized Society And Promoted The American Revolution
In Thomas Paine’s pamphlet, Common Sense, he explains why representative government is the way to go in modern societies.
Specifically, as people’s functions and businesses grow more complex, they require a greater utilization of individuals to interpret the needs of a larger population.
Representation helps those in power understand issues and make decisions on behalf of the populace in ways that represent their interests.
Once England took control of America’s economy through taxation without representation, it was clear something had to change.
And so Paine argued for representation that changes as needed with population growth or shifts in interests.
He also looked at how this form of government could address any grievances presented by citizens and proposed certain ideas to fix economic disadvantages stemming from English control.
In short, Paine showed how representative government provides stability and balances the power between rulers and citizens, thereby making it common sense for society to use this form of governance.
The Need For Laws And Other People To Realize Our Potential
Humans need to live and work with each other for us to realize our full potential.
Common tasks like moving logs, building a house or plowing a field require team effort.
Even delicately precise surgical procedures require the assistance of multiple doctors.
But there is another reason why we rely on each other: for survival in difficult times.
For example, when we get sick, we depend on others to bring us food and medicine.
Without someone else’s help, it could mean the difference between life and death – think back to the 18th century where people would die due to dehydration from high fevers if no one brought them water.
This mutual dependence on each other drives humans to form societies that are governed by rules such as laws which help protect us against our selfish impulses of disregarding others’ interest for our own gain.
The idea that together we are stronger than when we are apart keeps us working together and brings forth helpful regulations essential for maintaining liberty, security and justice among everyone in society.
Representative Governance: An Egalitarian Solution To Society’S Most Pressing Problems
The best way to govern a large society, according to Thomas Paine in his book Common Sense, is through representative governance rather than monarchy.
Representative government keeps those who govern attuned to the issues that matter most to their constituents by holding frequent elections wherein people vote for those who share their views.
Monarchy completely contradicts the will of God by elevating a select few above others and having power lie within hereditary lines.
This basis of transferring power means that even if you get a good monarch, they may not pass on their good ruler qualities to heirs – instead, you might get an absolute lunatic as your ruler.
Moreover, being born into such power can be corrupting and drive an otherwise sane person mad.
Finally, looking at the American Revolution exemplifies the great inequality and corruption inherent in monarchy and the benefits brought about by representative government.
The American Revolution: The Fight For Independence From British Tyranny And Unfair Rule
It’s clear that America was not better off having England as its “mother country,” and it’s time for this to be addressed.
Through heavy taxation and lack of representation in the British Parliament, England has crippled America’s economy.
In addition to this, they have limited American ports from trading with other countries around the world, which has impinged on American freedom and prevented them from being able to take advantage of their resources and become a global trading hub.
Of course, no country should be able to lay claim to another and its people like England has done; this is why America should take it upon itself to declare independence from Britain.
Without British rule, Americans would have the autonomy they need to fully realize the potential for economic growth that comes with their vast resources.
This is why America will be better off without English influence and can finally become independent – a nation built on liberty and justice for all!
Wrap Up
Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” is a powerful and persuasive book that highlights the need for American independence.
Paine argues that this independence is necessary in order to create a fair and representative government, one which makes frequent elections a priority.
Natural law, the will of God and the oppression of Britain all point to America owning itself and creating its own government, and it’s up to us do it.
This is the key message of Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense,” and I think it still rings true today.
