Thomas Paine lived up to his name – at least, that is what many thought in the late 1700’s. He was an English-American political activist, author, political theorist and revolutionary. It seems our century does not have the monopoly on bold individuals who are determined to support human rights initiatives. Born in Thetford, England, Thomas Paine immigrated, with the help of Benjamin Franklin, to the British American colonies in 1774.
Thomas Paine looked toward the future when he penned the pamphlet, Common Sense, which would inspire the American patriots in 1776 to declare independence from Britain. Even in our era of immediate communication, the dissemination of the message is impressive. In three months, 100,000 (or 500,000 copies, if you included the pirated editions), were circulated throughout the American British Colonies. Thomas Paine put forward ideas on human rights that stirred a nation. His reasons for writing can be summed up in one sentence.
“If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.”
Thomas Paine
Lady Budd 
That is impressive communication speed! Imagine the excitement and discussion his ideas produced at that time.
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What I found interesting was that they knew how to pirate copies and spread them by word of mouth and hand to hand. It proves that ideas cannot be held back…
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Indeed.
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And that is a beautiful photo with your post.
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Thank you!! Flowers and leaves are very kind to me. They always make my photos look amazing.
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Thanks Rebecca!
Review of a Thomas Paine biography:
http://dearkitty1.wordpress.com/2007/01/22/new-biography-of-thomas-paine-fighter-in-american-and-french-revolutions/
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Thank you, Petre!!! This is an excellent post and one that everyone would be interested in seeing/reading. We think that our generation is experiencing enormous transitions – for every generation, it has always been so…
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What a thinker Thomas Paine was. How sad was his ending. Too many great men/women are not valued until long after their death.
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Yes, he was a great thinker. From what I read, there were only 6 people who attended his funeral. It is not surprising considering that he took on institutionalized religion in general and the Christian doctrine in particular. The world was not ready to accept his ideas on deism. Courageous to the very end…
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It is noteworthy that so many great men/women in our history had unspeakable sadness in their lives but still made lasting and valuable contributions.
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I agree – it seems that once you have experienced sadness, loss and loneliness, you have a decision to make. Feel all is lost OR believe everything is possible.
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David McCullough writes very respectively of Thomas Paine and his pamphlet: “Common Sense” in his biography of John Adams. It was published and was very instrumental in forming the public thought on the subject of independence. It was in high demand and many copies were printed and was very important in the time of the American Revolution.
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I can hardly wait to read David McCullough’s biography of John Adams. Thanks for reminding me to put it on my 2013 list of “to read” books!!!
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What a lovely quote at the end, Clanmother. Beautiful photo too. 🙂
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Thank you so much!! In the end, all we really want is for our children to be safe and able to participate and thrive in our fast paced, ever changing mercurial world.
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Wonderful & Inspiring!
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Thank you so much!! Peace seems to be a simple concept, but it is difficult to implement. I think we should keep on trying…
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Very interesting, dear Rebecca. Peace in our hearts and we save the world by grey ! For our children !
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Thank you!! Our children – they are worth every effort and deserve to live in safety and with hope!
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Perhaps the quote of the year, Rebecca.
Happy New Year and big hugs
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I agree – may we seek peace – if not for ourselves, then for our children. Thank you so much for your visit!! I do love to receive elephant hugs!!! Happy New Year!!
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