Thomas Paine Tells His Story of Penning the Influential Paper Titled Common Sense

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My name is Thomas Paine, and my journey to becoming a voice for liberty and independence began far before the American Revolution. I was born in Thetford, England, in 1737, to a modest family. I tried my hand at many trades—corset-making, excise work—but none fulfilled me. In 1774, I met Benjamin Franklin in London, and he encouraged me to sail for the American colonies, which I did. Little did I know that my arrival would coincide with the birth of a revolution.

When I came to America, I immediately recognized the tension in the air. The colonies were divided—some still loyal to Britain, while others longed for independence. Yet, many of these people still did not know how to articulate this desire. It was then that I realized I could use my pen, my words, to clarify what was at stake and to inspire people to fight for their rights and freedoms.

In January 1776, I wrote and published a pamphlet called Common Sense. It was a bold piece of writing, urging the American colonists to declare independence from Britain. I argued that it was not just about grievances like taxes and trade restrictions; it was about creating a new society, free from monarchy, where power belonged to the people. I remember writing, "Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness," explaining how government should only exist to serve the people, not to dominate them.

Common Sense sold over 100,000 copies in just a few months, and it spread like wildfire. People gathered in taverns, homes, and churches to read it aloud. The pamphlet gave voice to the frustrations that had been simmering under the surface for years. I didn't pull any punches—I called King George III a "royal brute" and argued that reconciliation with Britain was no longer possible. My message was clear: America must break free.

The impact of Common Sense was immediate. It helped change the tide of public opinion in favor of independence, leading directly to the Continental Congress's decision to draft and sign the Declaration of Independence in July 1776. Though I wasn’t present in the Congress, I knew my words had played a crucial role in pushing the colonies toward that monumental decision.

But my work didn’t stop with Common Sense. I continued writing throughout the war, penning a series of pamphlets called The American Crisis. Perhaps you’ve heard the opening line of the first one: “These are the times that try men’s souls.” I wrote it during one of the darkest moments of the war, in the winter of 1776, when Washington’s army was cold, starving, and retreating. I wanted to remind them—and all Americans—that the fight for liberty was worth the sacrifice.

I believed deeply in the cause of American independence, not just as a political movement but as a fundamental human right. The power of words, I learned, could inspire armies, unite people, and spark revolutions. I may not have carried a musket, but my pen was my weapon, and with it, I fought for freedom.

As the war raged on, my faith in the American spirit never wavered. I saw the people rise up, not as subjects but as citizens, demanding their rightful place in the world. When victory came, I felt immense pride, knowing that I had contributed to this new nation’s birth.

So remember, my young friends, the power of ideas and words is mighty. When I wrote Common Sense, I wasn’t just addressing the colonists of my time—I was speaking to future generations, to people like you. You have the power to shape the world with your thoughts, your beliefs, and your courage to speak out for what is right.

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