Common Sense by Thomas PaineIn 1776 Thomas Paine published his pamphlet 'Common Sense'. It was an informative and well written argument for Independence from Great Britain.
This was a short read. His opening paragraph was so true it was poetic. I am going to include some quotes.
"Some writers have so confounded society with government, as to leave little or no distinction between them; whereas they are not only different, but have different origins. Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness; the former promotes our happiness positively by uniting our affections, the latter negatively by restraining our vices. The one encourages intercourse, the other creates distinctions. The first is a patron, the last a punisher."
"Time makes more converts than reason."
"The present state of America is truly alarming to every man who is capable of reflexion. Without law, without government, without any other mode of power then what is founded on, and granted by courtesy. Held together by an unexampled concurrence of sentiment, which, is nevertheless subject to change, and which every secret enemy is endeavoring to dissolve. Our present condition, is, Legislation without law; wisdom without a plan; constitution without a name; and what is strangely astonishing; perfect Independence contending for dependence."
"When we are planning for posterity, we ought to remember that virtue is not hereditary."
He may accomplish by craft and subtlety, in the long run,, what he cannot do by force and violence in the short one."
Rating 5 for content. Very inspiring and informative.
Rating G
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