Common Sense Summary

"These are the times that try men's souls," wrote Thomas Paine. What drives a society to reject its rulers and chart a new course of governance rooted in liberty and equality?

1. Society and Government: Different Entities with Distinct Roles

Thomas Paine starts by defining the difference between society and government. Society, he argues, forms naturally as people come together to share resources and support one another. It fosters happiness and cooperation. On the other hand, government is a creation born out of necessity, to address the shortcomings of human nature, including selfishness and conflict. It exists to maintain order and protect citizens from harm.

Paine explains that governance is a tool, not inherently good or bad, but shaped by the way it serves the people. It arises out of imperfections in society—people's inability to always act justly toward one another. By understanding this, he lays the groundwork for why certain governments, like the one imposed by Britain, need critical examination.

Paine critiques the British government, describing it as a flawed system that does not prioritize the colonies’ interests. Britons across the ocean rule over people whose daily realities and challenges they don’t understand. Paine emphasizes that accepting such a distant and self-serving government contradicts the foundational need for governance to serve the people it governs.

Examples

• The British government prioritized the interests of the crown over colonial well-being.
• The monarchy claimed divine right to rule, ignoring societal development.
• The colonies experienced economic exploitation through unfair policy impositions.

2. The Impracticality of British Rule Over the Colonies

Paine poses an essential question: How can a small island govern a vast continent millions of miles away? He argues that British rule over America is not only illogical but detrimental to the growth of the colonies. Geographic distance complicates communication, governance, and decision-making, leaving Americans to suffer from a lack of autonomy.

Making matters worse, the economic systems tied the colonies to England’s needs rather than enabling their own development. For Paine, this mismanagement highlights the absurdity of the arrangement. America, rich in natural and human resources, deserves to manage its own destiny rather than defer to a king who has little investment in American prosperity.

To Paine, the very existence of the colonies shows a progressive society striving toward innovation. Remaining tethered to Britain slows down this momentum. He insists that self-government is not only possible for America, but it is the logical step toward securing a better future for its inhabitants.

Examples

• Reforms and requests for better governance were ignored by Britain repeatedly.
• The colonies' agricultural productivity benefited Britain more than Americans.
• Delayed communication between the king and the colonies highlighted the inefficiency of foreign rule.

3. The Flaws of the British Monarchy

Thomas Paine issues a scathing critique of the British monarchy. He points out the absurdity of believing that the right to rule is passed down through hereditary lines. Skills and wisdom are not genetic traits, and rulership based on birthright is both unfair and irrational.

The notion of divine kingship is also critiqued. Paine rejects the idea that God anoints certain families to rule, seeing it as a tool of oppression rather than legitimate governance. The hereditary system creates rulers who may lack the capacity or willingness to govern wisely.

Lastly, Paine highlights the contradictions of the British system: an elected Parliament theoretically balances the power of the monarchy, yet in practice, this division creates inefficiency and confusion. This flawed structure of dual leadership has led to policies that harmed both the colonies and Britain itself.

Examples

• Infamous rulers like King George III exhibited poor governance despite their royal lineage.
• British citizens also suffered due to misguided policies from hereditary rulers.
• The American Revolution highlighted everyday colonists' distrust of monarchy.

4. Reimagining Government: Power to the People

Paine presents a vision for self-governance, driven by political systems created by and for the people. He suggests America could establish representative democracy focused on fairness and accountability. Such a system would replace the inherited privilege and aristocracy that characterized British rule.

By advocating for inclusiveness and local leadership, Paine sets the stage for the American desire for liberty. He dismisses aristocracies that concentrate power among the wealthy few, advocating instead for representatives who embody the values and needs of their communities.

Paine sees a bright future for America if its government prioritizes the public's welfare. This optimism reflects his revolutionary belief that governance should empower individuals rather than enrich the ruling elite.

Examples

• Local assemblies were more efficient at understanding and solving colonial challenges.
• Democratic principles were more aligned with the American ethos of fairness.
• Empowered communities led to increased civic participation.

5. Economic Constraints of British Rule

Paine highlights the restrictive trade policies imposed by Britain as a major grievance. Colonists were required to trade primarily with Britain, losing the potential for partnerships with other regions. These policies held back economic progress for the colonies while disproportionately benefiting Britain.

American resources and goods were subjected to taxes and tariffs that enriched Britain at American expense. This financial burden fueled resentment, as colonists sought the right to build an economy free from British interference. Paine outlines how this stunted economic independence undermined overall growth.

Paine envisions an America freed from such constraints, with new opportunities for commerce and industry. Independence would enable fair trade agreements with other nations, bolstering the economy and fueling prosperity.

Examples

• Mercantilism restricted trade to British markets.
• Heavy taxation on goods limited colonial businesses' growth.
• Colonies’ contributions to the British economy far outweighed the benefits they received.

6. America’s Natural Resources and Potential

In painting a picture of America’s future, Paine emphasizes its vast natural resources and industrious population. He portrays the colonies as capable of self-sufficiency, with fertile lands, forests, waterways, and an eager workforce.

This abundance sets America apart from Britain, a comparatively resource-strained island. Paine argues that harnessing these resources with the freedom to govern trade policies would elevate America into a global powerhouse. This promise of prosperity appeals directly to readers of the time.

Paine also emphasizes Americans’ innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. Left to flourish without oppressive oversight, this determination could transform the colonies into leaders not just in governance but in economic progress.

Examples

• Colonies exported tobacco, cotton, and lumber globally despite restrictions.
• Local innovations began to outpace British industries without assistance.
• Abundant land and farming potential contrasted starkly with Britain.

7. The Global Impact of an Independent America

Paine expands his argument by describing the transformative potential of an independent America on the global stage. He insists that America’s success could inspire other colonies under imperial rule to pursue democracy.

By establishing a government built on fairness and liberty, America would serve as a model. Paine envisions America as a refuge for individuals fleeing oppression worldwide.

This altruistic vision positions the American Revolution as more than a quest for self-interest. Paine argues this revolution carries a moral duty to spread principles of equity and justice across the globe.

Examples

• The French Revolution was inspired in part by American ideals.
• America attracted immigrants searching for freedom and opportunity.
• Paine advocated for universal human rights in later writings.

8. The Moral Imperative of Independence

Paine appeals to readers’ sense of right and wrong, framing the colonial struggle as a moral obligation. Living under British tyranny is portrayed as an affront to inherent human dignity and democratic ideals.

The monarchy’s disregard for American life, demonstrated through unjust policies and taxation, symbolizes oppression. Declaring independence is not just practical but essential for affirming human worth and autonomy.

Paine stakes his argument on the idea that America has a responsibility to lead in the fight for equality and self-determination. This sense of duty resonates throughout his pamphlet.

Examples

• Taxation without representation became a rallying cry for justice.
• British military aggression highlighted colonial mistreatment.
• Revolutionary leaders quoted Paine to galvanize public outrage.

9. America’s Economic Freedom as a Stepping Stone

Economic independence is a bedrock of Paine’s arguments for revolution. By separating from Britain, America could align trade interests with opportunities that benefited its citizens directly, forging equal third-party partnerships globally.

He envisions a system where Americans control their financial destiny—fueling local industries, reinvesting profits, and setting global trade practices favoring fairness.

Paine paints a dynamic picture: financial autonomy leading to thriving agriculture, manufacturing, and shipping sectors that solidify the American dream.

Examples

• American fleets could dominate Atlantic trade routes under self-rule.
• Coalitions with France and others boosted economic opportunities post-independence.
• Breakthroughs in machinery benefitted American farmers.

Takeaways

1. Challenge systems that do not serve collective welfare—Paine encourages rethinking outdated structures for modern needs.
2. Advocate for fairness in both governance and trade—Paine’s call for equality resonates not only politically but in all human affairs.
3. Use your resources wisely and strive for self-sufficiency—America’s story is one of growth when given freedom.