Common Sense

by Thomas Paine

It serves us all well to reread this formative 50 page pamphlet addressing the origin and design of government, its context in relation to the English monarchy and hereditary succession, thoughts on present day American affairs, and our abilities to face challenges as a nations. Five hundred thousand copies were sold within a few months if its first publication in January 1776. More than any other document, Common Sense paved the way for The Declaration of Independence unanimously ratified by Congress July 4, 1776.

Man knows no Master save creating Heaven
Or those whom choice and common good ordain.
                                  -- Thomson.

INTRODUCTION.

OF THE ORIGIN AND DESIGN OF GOVERNMENT IN GENERAL, WITH CONCISE REMARKS ON THE ENGLISH CONSTITUTION.

OF MONARCHY AND HEREDITARY SUCCESSION.

THOUGHTS ON THE PRESENT STATE OF AMERICAN AFFAIRS.

OF THE PRESENT ABILITY OF AMERICA, WITH SOME MISCELLANEOUS REFLEXIONS.