How Thomas Paine Shaped the American Colonies Essay Example

Britain was beneficial and would continue to have positive outcomes, Paine challenged this false claim.

Paine holds the assertion that just because a child thrives on milk, it does not mean it will only consume milk forever, nor does the first twenty years of a person's life dictate the next twenty. However, this even goes beyond what is true. He firmly states that America would have flourished equally, if not more, without the involvement of any European power. The trade that has enriched America consists of essential goods that will always have a market as long as Europeans continue to eat. Paine's enlightenment in his thoughts regarding England emphasizes that England should not have control over America.

Dragonetti states that the science of politics entails finding the ideal equilibrium between individual happiness and national expense. Should someone uncover a governing system that maximizes individual happiness while minimizing national expense, they would earn immense recognition from future generations (Paine, PG). Thomas Paine, who drew inspiration primarily from the English Enlightenment and to some extent the French Enlightenment, viewed this statement as highly enlightened. The Enlightenment period featured language centered around natural law, inherent freedoms, and self-determination.

Thomas Paine's work reflects the ideals of the Enlightenment, expressing both his ideas and values that encompassed political and spiritual philosophy. These ideals played a significant role in sparking the Revolution in the United States. Particularly, Paine's "Common Sense" was crucial in achieving victory during the Revolution. It is apparent that Paine remained firm and determined in his ideas, never yielding to challenges while also being willing to admit mistakes when needed.

He utilized the pamphlet as a tool to advance his mission,

believing that his mission should be embraced by all Americans - which it ultimately was. He successfully demonstrated to many individuals the necessity for America to break free from England's governance. In his writing, he stated, "It is our inherent right to have our own government. When one seriously ponders the fragility of human affairs, they will come to realize that it is far more prudent and secure to deliberately and calmly create our own constitution while we have the capability, rather than leaving such a significant event to the uncertainties of time and chance."

If we overlook this now, there may be future occurrences of Massenello, who will seize on popular discontent and gather together the desperate and dissatisfied. They may assume the powers of government and eliminate the freedoms of the continent like a flood. If America's government returns to the hands of Britain, the precarious situation will be tempting for an adventurous individual to try their luck. In such a scenario, what assistance can Britain provide?

Before she receives the news, the disastrous outcome may already have occurred, leaving us suffering like the miserable Britons under the oppressor. Those who oppose independence at present do not realize what they are doing; they are creating an opportunity for never-ending tyranny by leaving the seat of government vacant" (Paine PG). In conclusion, the essential reason for Americans to study Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" and the Enlightenment is that it is their history. It connects them to Thomas Paine and other individuals who deeply believed in this concept.

The Enlightenment shaped Thomas Paine, determining his aspirations and accomplishments. Today, Paine's political and spiritual doctrine remains influential, continuing to

positively impact the global community. Undoubtedly, his extraordinary intellect and the Enlightenment concept he introduced will endure eternally. "Common Sense" carries a message for the modern society of the 1990s, conveying valuable teachings from Thomas Paine's Enlightenment that both American and international societies can benefit from.

This author believes that the Enlightenment continues to be relevant in the late twentieth century. The appeal of human rights concepts remains strong among oppressed individuals, similar to how it was for those who lived during Thomas Paine's time. Today, societies and countries are still drawn to the principles of natural law that inspired Paine. Religious tolerance is often presented as a resolution when conflicts arise. The idea of self-governance embodies a universal ideal. Ultimately, the Enlightenment ideals have transformed into global ideals.