Thomas Paine
Common Sense: A Scathing Attack on Unlimited, Centralized Power
January 10, 1776. Today in history, Thomas Paine published the first edition of Common Sense – a 47 page pamphlet that defended and inspired the cause of independence like no other. (check out this podcast on Common Sense here) Leading historians have called it...
Thomas Paine and Religious Liberty
In Thomas Paine’s day, no idea was more accepted than the idea that the church was inextricably connected to the state. In the 1700s, the concept had centuries of precedent in nearly all corners of the world, including England, France, and even America – where several...
Thomas Paine, Execution Escape Artist
Americans generally remember Thomas Paine as the renowned writer of Common Sense, the most persuasive and popular case for American independence from the British crown. However, many may be unaware that the radical political agitator later returned to his native...
Thomas Paine, Bridge Builder
Thomas Paine had many talents beyond writing, but the most surprising and under-appreciated was his aptitude for engineering. Following the American triumph in the War of Independence, Paine became encumbered with financial issues that plagued him for many years. As I...