Common Sense: Addressed to the Inhabitants of America | Original and complete edition (1776)

Common Sense (1776) is Thomas Paine’s landmark political pamphlet that helped shape the American Revolution and redefine modern ideas of government and liberty. Written in clear, powerful language, the work argues for complete independence from British rule and challenges the legitimacy of monarchy and hereditary succession. Paine distinguishes between society, born from human cooperation, and government, a necessary evil created to restrain injustice. From this premise, he critiques the English Constitution and condemns the injustices of kingship, stating that hereditary rule violates natural equality and reason. Paine also examines the state of the American colonies, asserting that reconciliation with Britain is neither practical nor just. Instead, he urges immediate independence and proposes a democratic system based on representation, civil rights, and the protection of property and religious freedom. Published anonymously, Common Sense became an unprecedented bestseller, inspiring public debate across the Thirteen Colonies and giving ordinary citizens a persuasive, accessible argument for self-government. A foundational text of political thought, Common Sense remains a classic work on democracy, freedom, and the responsibilities of citizens in shaping their own future.On the cover: Thomas Paine depicted in a portrait by Laurent Dabos, c.1792Thomas Paine (1737–1809) was an English-born writer, political thinker, and revolutionary whose works transformed modern ideas of liberty and government. After arriving in the American colonies in 1774 with a letter of introduction from Benjamin Franklin, he quickly became one of the most influential voices of the era. His pamphlet Common Sense (1776) presented a bold, accessible case for American independence, reaching a wider audience than any political text of its time. Paine later shaped democratic debates in Europe with Rights of Man, defending the French Revolution, and with The Age of Reason, promoting rational inquiry and religious freedom. Though controversial in his later years, Paine’s commitment to human rights, equality, and republican ideals left a lasting mark on political thought and continues to influence democratic movements worldwide. Read more