Common Sense (AmazonClassics Edition)

De: Thomas Paine

Narrado por: Matthew Lloyd Davies

Published anonymously on January 10, 1776, Thomas Paine's legendary work made the case for American independence.

An immediate sensation across the thirteen colonies, Common Sense extolled Paine's belief that government should be simple and represent the will of the people, acting not as an oppressor but as a body to protect society. His clear and persuasive argument appealed to the common people, impressing on them the importance of secession from Great Britain. Six months after Common Sense was published, independence was declared, and the American Revolution was born.

AmazonClassics brings you timeless works from the masters of storytelling. Ideal for anyone who wants to read a great work for the first time or rediscover an old favorite, these new editions open the door to literature's most unforgettable characters and beloved worlds.

Revised edition: Previously published as Common Sense, this edition of Common Sense (AmazonClassics Edition) includes editorial revisions.

Public Domain (P)2017 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

A Wonderful American Document

I love that this man, almost single-handedly, gave clear and concise reason for the most audible b**tchslap to the English monarch in history, one that was heard around the world.

History with Knowledge

Our history and having this knowledge prevents a repeat of Tyranny or oppression! This book is well worth the time and efforts to listen or read as we are Americans and should always seek the truth of our history.

A good read

Interesting explains some of what was the thinking of patriots at the time of the revolution.

History

I typically don't read books like these because sometimes history is written in a boring format/tone.
I did however enjoy this book as I felt Thomas Paines power, frustrations and wittyness upon writing these pamphlets.
I really enjoyed having a better sense of the mix feelings the general public, and political representatives back. The fear of the unknown and stepping into the birth and acceptance of a new Nation without Great Britain.

On Reason and Subjugation

Thomas Paine merely wrote what the masses could not articulate themselves and where he spoke of things they wanted not to hear the masses ostracised him. The so called primitives at the time were cannon fodder for rhetoric of revolution. For to be amoung primitives while also yourself under the subjugation of an empire such as Britain must stir vengeance in the hearts of many and Paine was the spoon.

Genius

Every American should be required to read this. How are kids getting through high school without reading this? It’s powerful, logical, concise, and everything Americans stand for. An absolute tour de force from a founding father. The points about royalty are spot on and still apply today. Let freedom ring!

Lessons learned

At a time when people were divided as to the direction of its land, people and country. Mr. Payne called for the citizens of the land and all neighbors to put selfish ambition aside for the nation to come together.

It is sad to think as part of the founding of the United States of America, he (along with the other founders) are written off as priveliged. the founders had far more to give up than our current generations.

Mr. Payne was a concise individual, basing his conclusions on how an independent nation state would survive from its own resources. Relying on no other nation and looking forward in hope.

A Must Read

Well done. Paine based many of his arguments, rightly so, on th Bible. Great background for th Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Still relevant themes for today

I had not read "Common Sense", but knew of its existence since middle school. Upon reading it recently I was amazed at the lucid arguments that Paine proffered, and the clarity / succinctness of his style. That alone was enjoyable enough for me to recommend this classic. However, there is more....as I got used to the language and style, and as I checked-out some of the footnotes, I began to feel more connected to the culture of those troubled, and hopeful, time. And in that sense the content is in some ways generalizable to our current time. (I have started to look into more of the life and writings of Thomas Paine. What an interesting and mercurial man he was.)

Comments from a reader

This is definitely a work for historians to read. It should be read if you want to know why the States sought independence.