Common Sense, Thomas Paine

Sanne Bergh
Eng48A
Journal for Paine
Nov. 15, 2011


Author Quote
"Alas! we have been long led away by ancient prejudices and made large sacrifices to superstition. We have boasted the protection of Great Britain without considering that her motive was interest not attachment (632)".

Internet Quote
"Paine wrote and reasoned in a style that common people understood; forgoing the philosophy and Latin references used by Enlightenment era writers, Paine structured Common Sense like a sermon and relied on Biblical references to make his case to the people. He connected independence with common dissenting Protestant beliefs as a means to present a distinctly American political identity."

Brief Summary
In light of the American Revolution, people were beginning to think about issues differently. In a land that was founded by Puritans, religion no longer held extreme precedence over other matters and it was now the time to begin thinking about matters logically and sensibly. Britain reaped many benefits by manipulating the ways America was governed. America was helpless and was still run under the ancient British monarchy. Paine essentially argued that this should be changed.          

Your Idea/Reactions/Responses to the Author's Ideas
Thomas Paine makes a valid argument considering the fact that America is vastly different from Britain. Paine states that the American people should no longer be a part of a ruling system that is silly and unjust and that the time has come to expect and reflect upon an impending period of time that is enlightening and refreshing. The "sacrifices to superstition" refer to the delay in which America has been avoiding change. The delay is essentially fear in acknowledging the desire to break free. The fear is caused by the "prejudices" and preconceived notions that nothing would ever be transformed and the governmental system would always remain to be oppressive. America, like a child, looks to its mother for aid and help. Yet, it yields no aid and simply abuses it. Paine states that America is now grown and has matured enough to govern oneself. The only way to break free from the chains of monarchy and a tyrant rule is through rebellion. America is like a child that is malnourished from the true fruits of prosperity and success; it's true potential is being suppressed by the hard hammer and rule of Britain. The "interest" Paine refers to are the benefits Britain reaps through the denial of America’s independence. The idea that Britain founded America upon the principles of humanity and "attachment" have long since vanished, or have perhaps never existed. The "interest" simply holds precedence over what is basically "common sense". England's interest in economic status and financial security has fogged the idea of morality and what is right and just.