Common Sense
A call for American independence and a new system of government.
Summary of 5 Key Points
Key Points
- Introduction of the idea of American independence
- Critique of monarchial government and hereditary succession
- Arguments for a democratic republic over a monarchy
- The economic cost of British rule for the American colonies
- The potential for global trade and prosperity without Britain
key point 1 of 5
Introduction of the idea of American independence
In ‘Common Sense,’ Thomas Paine introduces the idea of American independence by arguing that the system of British monarchy and hereditary succession is unnatural and unjust. He contends that the practice of kings and queens inheriting their positions is akin to selecting leaders based on an absurd criterion such as physical strength or hair color. Paine insists that such a system is contrary to the notion of rational liberty and that all men are born equal, with no natural right to govern others without their consent…Read&Listen More
key point 2 of 5
Critique of monarchial government and hereditary succession
The author passionately criticizes the institution of monarchy and the practice of hereditary succession. He argues that monarchies are established under the false pretenses of parental care, but in reality, they are the antithesis of the familial love and concern they purport to embody. Instead of caring for the needs of their subjects, monarchs are seen as tyrants who impose their will and deny people their natural rights. He views hereditary succession as an absurd practice that assumes the children of rulers inherit wisdom and the right to govern from their parents, which he likens to expecting a child to inherit the job of a carpenter or a blacksmith based on birth alone…Read&Listen More
key point 3 of 5
Arguments for a democratic republic over a monarchy
Thomas Paine, in his pamphlet ‘Common Sense,’ presents a vigorous argument for the American colonies’ independence from Britain, advocating for a democratic republic over the British monarchy. Paine dismisses the idea of monarchy and hereditary succession as an absurdity. He contends that such systems are an affront to reasonable society as they vest power in individuals not for their merits or the will of the people, but for their lineage. He argues that the complexity and injustice inherent in European monarchical governments, which mix monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy, produce a system that benefits the few at the expense of the many…Read&Listen More
key point 4 of 5
The economic cost of British rule for the American colonies
Throughout ‘Common Sense,’ the economic cost of British rule to the American colonies is portrayed as substantial and burdensome. The author argues that the colonies have suffered under a system designed to benefit Britain at the cost of colonial prosperity. The mercantile system, which favors the accumulation of wealth by the mother country through restrictive trade practices, is highlighted as a primary source of economic strain. The colonies are forced to trade primarily with Britain, often at unfavorable rates, and are prohibited from manufacturing goods that would compete with British imports, stifacing economic growth and diversification…Read&Listen More
key point 5 of 5
The potential for global trade and prosperity without Britain
In ‘Common Sense,’ the potential for global trade and prosperity independent of Britain is portrayed as a significant opportunity for the American colonies. The author argues that the colonies have every resource necessary for successful trade and commerce. They have materials, products, and commodities that are highly desired in Europe and other parts of the world. The text suggests that these resources give the colonies an advantageous position to engage in trade directly with other nations, rather than being restricted to dealing with them through Britain as intermediaries, which imposes unnecessary limitations and costs…Read&Listen More