I’m not sure how I got through all my schooling without having to read this. I won’t deny it’s a bit of a challenge to get through due to the 18th century language, which was very windy and flowery. But having now read multiple books about the American Revolution, I can definitely see why this pamphlet had such an electric effect on the colonies and played a significant role in bringing more colonists around to the idea of independence. (Did you know that very few people were even considering independence prior to 1776?) As an American, this pamphlet is full of, there’s no other word for it…common sense. Had I been on the fence in 1776, this would have brought me without reservation to the Patriot side.

One of the strongest natural proofs of the folly of hereditary right in kings, is, that nature disapproves it, otherwise, she would not so frequently turn it into ridicule by giving mankind an ass for a lion.

Unfortunate that the knee-jerk Right has appropriated this polished wit. I can't see how is reconciles with the specks of froth about emails and birth certificates. Baggage eschewed, this remains a powerful pamphlet, a catalyst for defiance. Not as convincing as J.S. Mill, but one rife with images and optimism.

This book is like the American Manifesto for capitalism and democracy, and I think a good piece of literature for everyone to read. He has much of the philosophy of Locke, Rousseau, Constant, and the bible in his work, but I think every generation can find something that resonates in it for their current situation.

An incredibly important pamphlet or short book that helped shape the US as a country. It's a dense read, and having it explained would probably help a lot. Some great thoughts in this book that clearly formed some of the sentiment about governing that persist to this day.

At the end of the book Paine challenges the Quaker pacifist, non intervention perspective on revolting and splitting from England. Something many American Christians would benefit from reading and trying to understand.

Interesting piece of history, though unsurprisingly both highly religious and misogynistic; what a way to start a country.

AWESOME and still incredibly relevant.

TL;DR:

Monarchy is bad, and scripture proves it - William the Conqueror also sucked big time and set a precedent for royal suckage. An entire continent belonging to an island is dumb. In order for other countries to take the US seriously, it should draft some sort of declaration that it's independent now. Also ships are cool and we should totally build some.

Reading this book made me feel like I was getting a very real glimpse into the dialogue that was taking place in America before the Revolutionary War. Paine's arguments start out Biblical, which reminded me how much religion played a part in everyone's lives when our country was founded. Beyond Biblical reasoning, Paine lays out extremely logical arguments for American independence. I found it an extremely interesting short read.