 [Larger view] | Common Sense (Dover Thrift Editions)
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| uncommon prose | |
| Thomas Paine declared, "In the following pages I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense...."
And with those words he lit a flame that burns to this day: the United States. In Common Sense, he combines gumption and perspicuity as he introduces his origin of government and society; and ends with a call for the immediate declaration of independence by the colonists. He also delivers a biblical rebuke of monarchies, which to me was the most engaging part of the book. Paine has an eye for detail, with a command of English history. These gifts, as well as fervor for his cause, cover up his ignorance of the specific grievances of the colonists. Moreover, ON THE PRESENT ABILITY OF AMERICA, he gets obtuse and is bogged down in detail about the Navy's strength. Nevertheless, even with these minor imperfections, Common Sense is a gem whose value is increased by its impurities. A history of America is incomplete without Paine's magnum opus. | |
| Timely | |
| With all that's going on in the world right now, AND all that's going on with our government - this book is very timely. Who would've thought so many passages would reflect the way our government needs to be right now? I was delightfully surprised to read paragraph after paragraph and be able to tie it in to today's world.
I think our government should read this so they can figure out what they should be doing rather than what they are doing. | |
 Rationale for a Revolution | |
| Writing a review for this book is a lot like writing a review for The Constitution. It seems as though there are not enough words to describe the majesty of the document. Many of the founding fathers lacked the educational training that contemporary politicains have received. With that fact in mind, Common Sense is even more potent. Thomas Paine sought to make his fellow colonists join in rebelling against the King and the British. His argument is based in the relative absurdity of being ruled by a king whose power is gained only because of the status of his parents. Even the first king in succession probably only gained his power by being the most brutal ruffian in his gang of conquerers. For those who suggest that the relationship with Britain need not be changed because "it is not broke, so don't fix it", he uses a child that nurses too long from his mother as a metaphor. Paine continues his writing with other choice prose to rationalize independence. Paine's words were a biting commentary against the King. Even today, these words maintain their potency. No America should live without reading this book which was the reasoning for our break from Britain. |
