Main Ideas:

Monarchies Violate Laws of Nature and Religion

Thomas Paine believes monarchies are an invalid form of government because they
violate the laws of nature and religion. Paine argues all people are born as equals, which
is a function of nature. No person or family is better than another. That line of reasoning
concludes there shouldn't be a ruling class. Paine also thinks those who do rule should
not be able to pass their position to their next of kin. Nature doesn't grant one family
superior intelligence or leadership abilities, and it's very possible the next person in line
for the job will lead his or her followers into ruin. Monarchal rule and hereditary
succession violate the very laws of nature.

Monarchies also violate the word of God. Paine points out there were not any kings in
the early days of humanity (at least according to scripture) and there weren't any wars.
Paine implies these two are related. He contends the devil invented kings, which were
first adopted by the heathens, as a tool to promote idolatry. Both Gideon and Samuel
warn their followers about the dangers of worshipping someone other than God. In
Samuel's case the Israelites don't listen, and they are smitten for disobedience. Paine
believes this biblical evidence proves God is the only true king.

Independent, Democratic America

Paine insists the British government doesn't have the colonists' best interest at heart. It
cares only about its own profit and success, and it treats the colonists as second-class
citizens. Americans do not have the same rights as those who live on British soil and are
unfairly punished when they try to uphold their interpretation of the British Constitution.
The grievances between the two parties, as well as the bloodshed and destruction
caused by the British army, are too great to repair. The only answer is for the colonies to
separate themselves from Great Britain.

To those who quaver in fear of losing the protection and benefits afforded by the British
government, Paine points out Great Britain is much too far away to protect the colonists
from any imminent danger, and it is much too small of an island to govern a territory as
large as the American colonies. Though he admits there have been benefits to British
rule, he contends life in the colonies would perhaps have been even more pleasant and
fruitful had Great Britain never controlled them at all.

An independent America will need a government of its own. Paine has already proven
monarchal rule is unsuitable for the success of a nation and the happiness of its people,
so he suggests a representative government elected by the people. This structure is in
line with what he believes nature intended, as each person's voice will be represented
equally. The law will be king in America, not a monarch.

The Fight for Independence Cannot Be Postponed

Paine urges his readers to take up the cause of independence now. The tensions
between Great Britain and the American colonies are only going to get worse, and the
damage done at the battles of Lexington and Concord and during the Siege of Boston
cannot be repaired. If anything, the situation will worsen. Waiting for a better time would
mean the loss of experience gained during the French and Indian War (1754–63), which
would decrease the colonists' chances of victory. Delaying the push for independence
could mean being tethered to Great Britain indefinitely, and as Paine points out, a
country dependent on another is weak in the eyes of the world.

America may be a young country, but it has a lot of assets, including its youth. "Youth is
the seed time of good habits, as well in nations as in individuals," he writes. Developing
continental unity now will be much easier than 50 years down the road when individual
colonies are deeply entrenched in their own ways of life. Colonies are not yet at their
peak populations, which means there aren't too many people or ports to protect, yet
there are still enough men to form a robust army. People haven't yet developed strong
roots in their communities, nor have they made their family fortunes in business. Unlike
British civilians, who may carry the weight of wealth and family tree, the colonists have
little to lose by going to war. That will surely change if efforts for independence are
postponed, which will make it harder to raise a capable army.

American Independence Benefits the World

Paine argues American independence will help all friendly nations thrive, especially
those who engage with trade. Separating the colonies from Great Britain will create open
and free trade. That means the colonists decide to whom they will sell and for what
price, which will help the American economy grow and which will benefit other, primarily
European, economies as well. When no longer bound by Great Britain's trading laws,
they will be free to import goods from other countries, such as Spain and France, as well
as to import goods to them, all of which will improve the international economy. Paine
doesn't leave out England—he thinks open trade will benefit the British government and
its citizens alike.

Trade isn't the only part of international relations that will improve with American
independence. The colonies will be able to maintain strong and friendly relationships
with other countries even if those countries are quarreling with Great Britain. As subjects
of the British government, the colonies often found themselves in the middle of
disagreements with other nations, and there was always the risk of going to war over
matters that didn't pertain to those living in North America. Freedom from Great Britain
allows the colonies to declare neutrality during international conflicts, which preserves
existing relationships and protects the American citizens, their property, and their
economy.

★Summary:

Summary

The initial publication of Common Sense on January 10, 1776, was divided into four
parts. Starting with the third edition, which was printed just a month later, Paine added
an introduction and Part 5, which he termed "The Appendix."

Introduction to the Third Edition

Paine prefaces the main body of his text with an assurance that he, the anonymous
author, is providing a critical view of the current situation between England and the
American colonies that is uncolored by personal bias. He admits his ideas are unusual
and most likely unpopular, but says people will come around to his point of view the
longer they think about it and the more they realize the cause of the colonies is the
cause of all humankind.

Part 1

Paine uses Part 1 to describe the purpose of government, which is to protect a society
once its membership has grown too large for individual involvement, and to detail the
failings of the British government in particular. He believes there is an imbalance of
power within the country's parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarch, with
the king and aristocratic House of Lords siding against the elected representatives of the
House of Commons. Paine also finds fault in the use of hereditary succession, which
places descendants of aristocrats and kings into positions of power once their
predecessors are deceased, and with the way royals are sequestered from the rest of
the world. He argues it is impossible to rule a people whom one knows nothing about.

Part 2

Paine uses biblical and historical evidence as well as reason to explain how the concept
of monarchy is a violation of religion and nature. He believes all people are born equal,
so it makes no sense for one person to wield power over everyone else just because of
his or her lineage. Doing so is not only a transgression of logic but one of religion. Paine
says scripture makes it explicitly clear God is the only ruler of humans and those who
defy that rule are punished.

Monarchs are not a guard against civil war as some argue—they are instead usually the
cause of it, as evidenced by the numerous civil wars and revolutions since William the
Conqueror usurped the throne in the 11th century. These wars don't just affect the
families at odds with one another—they negatively impact the common people sent to
battle and those left at home to clean up the wreckage. Paine attributes this constant
warring to the structure of the British government. He asserts Parliament does most of
the ruling, which leaves the king too much time on his hands. Conflicts are created just
to keep the king entertained.

Part 3

Part 3 is Paine's explicit call for colonial independence from Great Britain. Though he
once saw the merits of reconciliation, he believes Great Britain's use of force at the
battles of Lexington and Concord, which resulted in deaths and injuries on both sides,
has obliterated any chance of a mutually beneficial relationship between the two parties.
Paine addresses common claims in support of British rule, refuting each one by one. He
paints a picture of a ruling country that cares little about its distant subjects and a group
of colonies that are stronger on their own without monarchal rule. Independence would
protect the American economy during Britain's feuds with other world powers, and it
would allow the colonies to form financially beneficial relationships beyond (and better
than) the one they have with Great Britain. Paine argues Great Britain is too small and
too far away to protect the colonies any longer, and it is in the international interest for
the colonies and England to separate.

Paine then outlines his plan for an independent American government. It consists of two
branches, the president and Congress. Districts from each colony will elect
congressional representatives, who then elect the president. All laws must be approved
by congressional majority, and the presidency will be rotated evenly between each
colony. Paine also describes the formation of the committee that will issue the charter to
form the government. He ends Part 3 with a call for all who support the end of the
monarchy to publicly identify themselves.

Part 4

Part 4 contains the odds and ends of Paine's argument for independence that didn't
have a logical place in Part 3. He encourages the creation of an American navy using
the natural resources bountiful in the colonies such as wood, iron, and tar, then
describes how such a fleet would be financed and maintained. He argues the need for
independence is urgent, and he gives a list of reasons why this is the perfect time to
secede from colonial rule. This includes the youth of a nation that has not yet formed
bad habits and a relatively unestablished population that has little to lose should the
pursuit of freedom lead to war. He reiterates the international advantages of separating
from England, as well as his plans for the country's government. He also emphasizes
the need for religious tolerance and encourages readers to think of themselves, not as
subjects of the British Crown, but as rebels against it. When independence is won, the
colonies and England can resume a peaceful relationship.

Part 5

Paine shares his thoughts on the two letters published since the initial publication of
Common Sense—one from King George III and one from Sir John Dalrymple. Paine
says the king's "speech," which arrived in the colonies on the day of Paine's pamphlet's
release, only fuels the need for independence. Dalrymple's letter, which praises the king,
is dismissed as being out of touch and sycophantic, or overly fawning.

Paine gives a brief recap of arguments from previous parts of the text—the need for
independence and the impossibility of reconciliation—before calling on colonists to unite
as one nation against the British. The best way to do this is by forming a government,
which will bring people together while allowing for a legal, and hopefully safe, transition
from subject of the Crown to independent nation

★Quates:

1.

A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right.

Thomas Paine, Introduction to the Third Edition

Most colonists, including colonial leaders Samuel Adams and Thomas Jefferson, weren't
even considering separating from Great Britain at the time Common Sense was
published in early 1776. Paine used his pamphlet not only to explain his reasoning for
American independence but also to convince the reader to accept his ideas. He wants
them to look beyond the popular and accepted ideas of the time and search their souls
for what is truly right.

2.

The cause of America is in great measure the cause of all mankind.

Thomas Paine, Introduction to the Third Edition

Paine's ideas about the natural rights of humans don't just apply to the relationship
between England and the American colonies. His theories can be applied to any
situation in which a population is denied a representative government that acts in
accordance with God's law.

3.

We ... have been foolish enough to put the crown in possession of the key.

Thomas Paine, Part 1

Paine believes Great Britain's parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarch

isn't all that different from the French government, which is a straight monarchy. In
France, the word of the king is law. The situation is similar in England, where the word of
the king comes out of the mouth of Parliament as a law. The idea of a parliamentary
democracy is good in theory because it "lock[s] a door against absolute monarchy," but it
fails by still allowing the king all the power.

4.
A man, who is attached to a prostitute, is unfitted to choose or judge of a wife.

Thomas Paine, Part 1

Paine frequently compares the English government and its trappings to prostitutes as a
way of showing the ruling body's lack of moral character. In this instance he emphasizes
the importance of understanding the failings of the British Constitution to craft a stronger
and more just American version.

5.

Monarchy and succession have laid ... but the world in blood and ashes.

Thomas Paine, Part 2

Critics of independence say monarchal governments are natural protections against civil
war. Paine points out that couldn't be farther from the truth, especially in England, where
opposing families warred endlessly for the Crown. Commoners' lives are ripped apart
during such battles, and the only person who comes out on top is the newest inhabitant
of the throne.

6.

In England a king hath little more to do than to make war and give away places.

Thomas Paine, Part 2

Paine argues that in comparison to a traditional monarchy, in which the king is

responsible for every aspect of governing, a constitutional monarchy leaves the king with
very little to do. Parliament carries most of the load when it comes to governing, and the
king has to figure out ways to fill his time. Paine is convinced all this free time leads to
further oppression of the king's subjects.
7.

Europe, and not England, is the parent country of America.

Thomas Paine, Part 3

Paine points out the thousands of people inhabiting the American colonies aren't just
English immigrants or of British descent. They come from all parts of Europe, which
leads Paine to conclude England has no right to rule the colonies at all.

8.

America is only a secondary object in the system of British politics.

Thomas Paine, Part 3

Paine argues the British government cares only about the success of England and its
native citizens. Instead of creating and enforcing laws that guarantee the mutual success
of England and the American colonies, the British government focuses entirely on the
economic and political health of the home country while repressing the growth of the
colonies. Paine maintains the colonies and England will only be equal if they are
separate.

9.

Friend, he reigns above.

Thomas Paine, Part 3

This is Paine's response to the anticipated question of "Who is America's king?" There
will be no king in America for it is under the jurisdiction of God, and God doesn't approve
of kings. In the next breath, however, Paine purports "in America the law is king." Those
two statements seem to contradict each other; however, the second is a metaphor. He
wants the reader to understand that the only "king" in America is the laws the nation
herself writes, perpetuates, and enforces. In other words she will be a democratic
society.

10.

Ye that dare oppose, not only the tyranny, but the tyrant, stand forth!

Thomas Paine, Part 3

Persuasive texts and speeches generally have a call to action. This is Paine's. He
commands readers who don't support the English government or its king to publicly
make their feelings known. Agreeing with Paine in private but accepting English rule in
public will not change the situation. Colonists must bravely join the fight for
independence.

11.

The power which hath endeavored to subdue us, is of all others, the most improper to defend
us.

Thomas Paine, Part 4

Paine is addressing the misguided theory that a reconciliation with Great Britain means
America would once again be protected by the British navy. Paine points out even if that
happened, it wouldn't be a good thing. Great Britain is the enemy. It is illogical to think all
those ill feelings between the two countries would suddenly disappear once a truce has
been reached. Great Britain has never had the colonies' best interest at heart, and it
never will.
12.

The more men have to lose, the less willing are they to venture.

Thomas Paine, Part 4

This is one of Paine's arguments in support of pursuing independence now. America is

still a young settlement. People aren't yet so comfortable they wouldn't be willing to risk
their incomes or livelihoods for a better life. That's not the case in England, where
fortunes and lifestyles have been established. Outside of the English army, no one in
Great Britain is going to volunteer to fight against the colonies. That's what gives the
colonists such a good chance of success.

13.

"The Rubicon is passed."

Thomas Paine, Part 5

"The Rubicon is passed" is an idiom that means an irreversible situation has occurred.
Mistakes cannot adequately be fixed, so the only thing to do is move forward, often in
the opposite direction. Paine writes this toward the end of Part 5 while explaining why
reconciliation with England is no longer a possibility. Colonists have suffered and died at
the hands of the British army, and that cannot be undone. No matter how hard the
Crown or the colonists try, they will never be able to repair their relationship.

★★Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is
but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one...★★

This quote, from the first page of Common Sense, lays out Paine's general conception of

government. His general view that government is "but a necessary evil" forms an
intellectual backdrop against which it is easier to call for an outright rebellion against the

British government.

★★To say, they will never attempt it again is idle and visionary, we thought so at the

repeal of the stamp-act, yet a year or two undeceived us...★★

This quote comes from the third section of Common Sense, in which Paine considers

the details of America's relationship with Britain. Here, he argues that the British simply

cannot be trusted to deal fairly with the colonies. Paine points out that the British have

repeatedly imposed unfair taxes, and even after they repealed them, as with the

stamp-act, later imposed new ones.

★★Why is it that we hesitate? From Britain we can expect nothing but ruin. If she is

admitted to the government of America again, this continent will not be worth living

in.★★

This quote, from the middle of the final section of Common Sense, is characteristic of

much of Paine's rhetoric. His pamphlet is intended not just to lay out an argument in

favor of independence, but also to motivate and rouse the populace. As such, Paine's

style is often intended to rouse the reader. He accomplishes this task particularly well in

this passage by first questioning whether there really is a good reason to stay quiet

about the need for independence and then by painting a vivid picture of the disturbing

reality that would exist were America to remain under British rule.

★★Until an independence is declared the continent will feel itself like a man who
continues putting off some unpleasant business from day to day, yet knows it
must be done, hates to set about it, wishes it over, and is continually haunted with
the thoughts of its necessity.★★
With this powerful image, Paine concludes Common Sense. This image

encapsulates Paine's central point throughout the pamphlet that America must

ultimately become independent of Britain. Paine maintains that, inevitably, the

colonies will cease to be under British rule, and that the only question that remains is

when the colonies are to become free. Paine believes that the time for action is now

rather than later, and therefore exhorts his fellow Americans to rise to action and do

what he believes he has shown must be done.