Common Sense by Thomas Paine: Table of Contents

Common Sense
By Thomas Paine
Table Of Contents

1. Introduction to the Third Edition

2. Part 1: Of the Origin and Design of Government in General, with Concise Remarks on the English Constitution

3. Part 2: Of Monarchy and Hereditary Succession

4. Part 3: Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs

5. Part 4: Of the Present Ability of America: with some Miscellaneous Reflections

6. Appendix: Appendix to the Third Edition

Introduction

By Alistair Butcher

In the pages of the Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”, we see how the independent publisher once spurred a young American nation into action against the British. Yet in the pages of Common Sense, we see the aliments of a birthing America are some of the same aliments we find effect our life.

Most printed editions of his day never bore Mr. Paine’s name, for he felt his words were of more importance than himself and the document should not rest on who he was but on the merit of his words . He claimed to spout universal truths that need not a name or time frame.

Here we find the spirit of “I Am“, Paine sought not to make a graven image of himself but to spur a country towards freedom. He made a case for rights, he felt were God given.

In the Constitution of the United States, we find the maxim “We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal.” In part 2 of Common Sense, it is undeniable that Paine’s thoughts on the matriarchy was a precursor to the tentens of our modern day government.

But as you read Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, remember to ask yourself about the time period and events surrounding the publication. Also be sure to keep your mind on the modern day interpretation. Have we, as American citizens, raised up our representatives  to matriarchal positions? Is our design of government a bottom up system that has been turned upside down?

Common Sense asks many questions and supposes answers that are universal. Enjoy the eloquent words of a revolutionary who never stopped in his quest for freedom of all men.

If there are American Saints, then our saints would fall on the shoulder’s of our founding fathers. The common names are well known but all too often we forget a writer sparked the revolution and the small press was his might sword. It has happened once and can will happen again.