Page 65 - Beers With Our Founding Fathers

A Patriot’s view of the history and direction of our Country

Thomas Paine’s ‘Common Sense’
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January 10 1776
Originally written anonymously (‘Written by an Englishman’) as

‘Plain Truth’ and started in 1775, at over 170,000 copies in the first
year when published as ‘Common Sense’, it was the highest selling

and most circulated book (forty-seven pages) It was an argument in
support of independence from England. In fact, the content was

considered treasonous. This was at a time in which it was still
undecided if the colonies should seek independence. It was said to

be the most important document of the American War for
Independence.

Thomas Paine wrote ‘Common Sense’ in a style fitting for the
population of the colonies. Writing styles of the time, American

Enlightenment, were in Latin and philosophical. Instead, he wrote
this work with biblical quotes and references, similar to a sermon

and in a style easily followed and adapted by the colonists.
Considered by him to be for the oppressed and not for his profit, he

donated the proceeds to the Continental Army.
Paine’s work began with the examination of England’s own

constitution. He then described the need for rules in groups living
together, regulations for a growing society and laws for a society

that has grown large enough to necessitate a government, and
elections to the government. This previewed the contention he had

with England’s constitution – a monarchial and aristocratic hierarchy

established solely by inheritance of title and position, with no
contribution to the commoners or tax base. Paine also opposed
John Locke’s conception of a constitutional monarchy – having a

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