A review of the book 'Common Sense' written by Thomas Paine, the revolutionary pamphlet that helped light the fire of American Independence.
Common Sense is a 47-page pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1775–1776 advocating independence from Great Britain to people in the Thirteen Colonies. Writing in clear and persuasive prose, Paine marshaled moral and political arguments to encourage common people in the Colonies to fight for egalitarian government. It was published anonymously on 10 January, 1776, at the beginning of the American Revolution and became an immediate sensation.
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Coming up: A review of the book 'Common Sense' written by Thomas Paine.
Namaste Friends. My name is 'Shinil Subramanian Payamal' and you are listening to the Historylogy podcast.
Before I proceed, a full disclosure: This book was bought with my own money and not been provided to me by the publisher.
Little bit about the author:
Thomas Paine was an English-born American political activist, philosopher, political theorist, and revolutionary. He authored Common Sense (1776) and The American Crisis (1776-1783), two of the most influential pamphlets at the start of the American Revolution, and helped inspire the patriots in 1776 to declare independence from Great Britain. His ideas reflected Enlightenment-era ideals of transnational human rights.
A brief description of the book:
QUOTE
Common Sense is a 47-page pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1775–1776 advocating independence from Great Britain to people in the Thirteen Colonies. Writing in clear and persuasive prose, Paine marshaled moral and political arguments to encourage common people in the Colonies to fight for egalitarian government. It was published anonymously on 10 January, 1776, at the beginning of the American Revolution and became an immediate sensation.
Common Sense made public a persuasive and impassioned case for independence, which had not yet been given serious intellectual consideration. Paine connected independence with common dissenting Protestant beliefs as a means to present a distinctly American political identity and structured Common Sense as if it were a sermon.
UNQUOTE
Paine's critique of the monarchy is scathing. He challenges the idea of inherited kingship, suggesting that no one has the right to rule over others simply because of birth.
Paine also critiques the relationship between the colonies and Britain, arguing that it was both unnatural and harmful. He highlights the absurdity of having a large, geographically distant power rule over a flourishing new society on the other side of the world.
I would like to mention a paragraph which talks about constitutional errors.
QUOTE
An inquiry into the CONSTITUTIONAL ERRORS in the English form of government is at this time highly necessary; for as we never in a proper condition of doing justice to others, while we continue under the influence of some leading partiality, so neither are we capable of doing it to ourselves while we remain fettered by any obstinate prejudice. And as a man, who is attached to a prostitute, is unfitted to choose, or judge of a wife, so any prepossession in favour of a rotten constitution of government will disable us from discerning a good one.
UNQUOTE
Paine’s writing is straightforward and accessible, even for people without formal education. This was a radical approach at the time when political literature was often dense and inaccessible. His use of clear, direct language and relatable metaphors made complex political ideas easy for the average reader to understand. The pamphlet is concise but packed with powerful rhetoric that evokes passion and a sense of urgency.
Conclusion:
Common Sense is a timeless work of political literature that transcends its historical context. It's clear call for independence, its critique of monarchy, and its appeal to the rights of the common people make it as relevant today as it was in 1776. Paine's passionate defense of freedom and self-governance helped ignite a revolution that ultimately shaped the future of the United States and influenced the broader course of world history. A must-read for anyone interested in American history, political thought, or the power of rhetoric in shaping public opinion, Common Sense is an enduring symbol of the power of words to ignite change.
I give this book 4.5/5.
The book is currently available in Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle format on Amazon India and Amazon USA. The Audible version is available only on Amazon USA and not yet available on Audible India. I have given the respective buy links in the show notes. Please check them out for the latest prices.
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