Thomas Paine’s Common Sense Essay Example

(1). Despite his background, it is not insignificant that he wrote Common Sense, as the title suggests. Paine simply observed the situation at the time and presented it in a way that would awaken the common people. His time in England, living under British rule and publishing articles like The Case of the Officer of Excise, equipped him for his important endeavor.

Paine argues that America had specific reasons to separate from Britain, and one reason was the advantage of people having a role in making their own laws. Paine gives an example of being on an isolated island where individuals naturally form connections and feel the need for rules (Paine, 3). This situation is similar to one we are familiar with.

The people of Europe migrated to the "New World" in search of an escape from their home countries. Over time, the inhabitants of the "New World" established agreed-upon borders and Britain decided not to intervene. This relationship can be likened to that between a child and their mother, with Britain acting as the mother figure who observes and assists when necessary. Moreover, the colonies derived minimal advantages from maintaining ties with Britain. The author posits that if they were to continue their association, similar circumstances would reoccur in the future.

In accordance with Paine (19-25), the colonies have become too big to be efficiently governed from Britain. Furthermore, due to the lack of esteem from other countries, the colonies are perceived as defiant adolescents. As they are classified under British authority, the colonies cannot establish alliances. Paine (36) asserts that independence is essential for their prosperity. Moreover, it is contended

that America will ultimately detach itself from Britain; hence, why not seize this opportune moment and do it now?

According to Paine (44), there exists a considerable amount of men in the colonies who are eager and capable of fighting for independence. It is crucial, however, to recognize any potential shortcomings in his arguments despite his strong support for independence. Like any human being, Paine wrote with heightened emotions. It is possible that he may have presented an argument that only considered war or peace as the available options, disregarding any potential compromises between Britain and the colonies. Additionally, there are moments where his logical sequence is interrupted, such as when he abruptly transitions from discussing taxation to addressing slavery.

The author's contention that the colonies would only be content if they separated has several gaps and lacks concrete reasoning, unlike the other arguments stated by Paine (37). An opposing argument could have been that Britain was not committing any major wrongdoing. They were simply requesting the colonies to contribute a little to assist their homeland in recovering from the aftermath of a recently fought war. The British were in need of assistance, just like the colonies would require assistance at certain moments. Additionally, the colonies should consider that their contributions were relatively minor compared to those of individuals residing in Britain.

The revolutionary pamphlet Common Sense, which sold nearly 10,000 copies in 1776, had a profound impact on the colonists. Its concluding quote, “And here, without anger or resentment I bid you farewell. Sincerely wishing, that as men and Christians, ye may always fully and uninterruptedly enjoy every civil and

religious right; and be, in your turn, the means of securing it to others; but that the example which ye have unwisely set, of mingling religion with politics, may be disavowed and reprobated by every inhabitant of America” (Paine, 58), serves as an important historical marker.