Common Sense By Thomas Paine Summary

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1072421 D-block Politiread 9/28 For my book report I have chosen Common Sense by the Englishman Thomas Paine, managing editor of Pennsylvania Magazine on behalf of recommendation from Benjamin Franklin himself, and highly influential colonial American philosopher. His book (or pamphlet) is a staunch criticism of previous and current (at the time) governing bodies, particularly the English monarchical system, as well as the state and ability of America. Laconically written while residing in America in January of 1776, before America has declared independence. The first section of the book focusses on the design of governments and hammers the british design. He starts by making several interesting generalizations about the necessity of government,…show more content…
He called monarchy “...a form of government which the word of God bears testimony against, and blood will attend it.” After counterarguing claims that monarchy prevents civil wars. The section continues to provide logical arguments against monarchical rule and especially hereditary succession, in harsh words. Stating, “...it is needless to spend much time exposing the folly of hereditary right, if there are any so weak as to believe it, let them promiscuously worship the ass and the lion, and welcome. I shall neither copy their humility, nor disturb their…show more content…
I decided that pre-constitution America always has something interesting to give, so after deciding broadly on early government and visiting my local library I learned about Thomas Paine, his work Common Sense seemed like the most sensical option. Going into it I didn’t know what to expect but I am glad I chose it. I think it really helped me understand the nature of America before July 4, 1776. I certainly learned a lot about Thomas Paine, a figure who I surprisingly had never heard of before. It was certainly interesting and important in the first section to read what someone rather important in the founding of our government had to say about government itself. It seemed like a bit of an origin story to me. I learned a bit about the balance of security and freedoms in our government from his writings, he says that security is the true design and end of
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