The instant formal government is abolished, society begins to act. A general association takes place, and common interest produces common security.
Thomas Paine
The Rights of Man
[I recently finished “reading” (listening to it) this book. I was familiar with most of the material in it but what struck me was the debate between him and Edward Burke. Burke was defending a monarchical type of government and Paine argued people had “natural rights” that no government had authority to infringe. It was then that I realized just how revolutionary Paine’s ideas were and how important to Western society many of them are.
As the product description on Amazon says:
The Rights of Man written by legendary author Thomas Paine is widely considered to be one of the top 100 greatest books of all time. This great classic will surely attract a whole new generation of readers. For many, The Rights of Man is required reading for various courses and curriculums. And for others who simply enjoy reading timeless pieces of classic literature, this gem by Thomas Paine is highly recommended. Published by Classic House Books and beautifully produced, The Rights of Man would make an ideal gift and it should be a part of everyone’s personal library.
It’s not a particularly long book but it is a very important book.–Joe]
Available at: Thomas Paine at the Gutenberg project
Also of major influence to American colonists leading up to the revolution were the writings of John Locke. The earliest mention of “natural law” I have ever read in reference to the events and mind set of the American patriots was from John Locke.
For a detailed account of the events and tyranny in the American colonies along with excellent references, track down ORIGINS of the AMERICAN REVOLUTION by John C. Miller. Published by Little, Brown & Co. 1943. I believe the events we are experiencing now and will experience shortly are documented in this book.
Thomas Paine was a motivator and true American Patriot. We need another like him now.
Thomas Paine is a favorite of mine. Several years ago I traveled to England for work. The plant was in Thetford, Paine’s hometown. There is a statue of him right outside the hotel where I stayed, and I often ate at his home (which was now a hotel and pub).