Common Sense“In Common Sense a writer found his moment to change the world,” Alan Taylor writes in his introduction. When Paine’s attack on the British mixed constitution of kings, lords, and commons was published in January 1776, fighting had already erupted between British troops and American Patriots, but many Patriots still balked at seeking independence. “By discrediting the sovereign king,” Taylor argues, “Paine made independence thinkable—as he relocated sovereignty from a royal family to the collective people of a republic.” Paine’s American readers could conclude that they stood at “the center of a new and coming world of utopian potential.” The John Harvard Library edition follows the text of the expanded edition printed by the shop of Benjamin Towne for W. and T. Bradford of Philadelphia. |
Contents
Introduction | 1 |
Of the Origin and Design of Government in General With Concise Remarks on the English Constitution | 3 |
Of Monarchy and Hereditary Succession | 10 |
Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs | 20 |
Of the Present Ability of America with Some Miscellaneous Reflexions | 38 |
Appendix with an Address to the People Called Quakers | 50 |
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Common terms and phrases
Adams America appear arms authority believe body Britain British called cause colonies Common Sense Congress constitution continent Continental crown debt dependance distinctions doctrine enemies England English equal Europe fear force France freedom give hands happened hath hereditary independence interest John judge king land least leave less lives Lord mankind manner matter means military moderate monarchy nature navy necessary never offer oppression ourselves Paine Paine’s pamphlet Patriots peace political present principles produce proper protect prove published Quakers quoted radical reason reconciliation remains republic republican ruin secure separation ship society succession suffer sufficient suppose thing Thomas thousand tion trade true union unto Wherefore whole wise Writings York