Thomas Paine’s Common Sense; and Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence

by George H. Smith

Common Sense examines how Americans defended the right to resist unjust laws and how this right of resistance was transformed into a right of revolution. It examines Thomas Paine's views on the difference between society and government, his defense of republican government, his total rejection of hereditary monarchy, and his belief that Americans should take up arms against the English government. The Declaration of Independence articulates the principles of the American Revolution. This program discusses natural rights, government by consent, the social contract, the difference between alienable and inalienable rights, and the right of revolution against oppressive governments.

Genres: History, Philosophy, Politics, Nonfiction

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

George Hamilton Smith was an American author, editor, educator, and speaker, known for his writings on atheism and libertarianism.

Reviews

[AttackGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this is one of those I think should be mandatory especially if you have never read Paine’s Common Sense or know of my favorite President; Jefferson’s abilities, his knowledge or know USA history or, or or... exactly to many “or”s so yes just mandatory reading.

However, then I fear there will not be an uprising, because as you make it to chapter 6 and the words familiar burn your anger to 10 you will hear the reasoning behind why the USA was born and yet here we are everything the same as before, before the deaths, before the consecrated ground before thesaturated lands amassed with the dead bodies of the young men, before our chests filled with pride of the life of every worlds citizens dreams but now a waste no longer even remembered. Now we have demands for taxes for absolutely everything online purchases and even death. Not the endless sounds of freedom ringing in their ears on what they thought would be 2 July from the rifles that are now outlawed and thorns of fear to all men even for self protection let alone independence of a country. A waste of life, a waste of tea, who is the enemy now who controls those voting machines selecting the opposition to rights to freedom not just in the USA but around the world.

[History7teacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, clear, informative. This book presents and compares Thomas Paine's Common Sense with Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence. Mr. Smith begins with interesting background on the writers, and then outlines the documents by topic. He explains the sections simply not losing sight of the whole thrust. This book would be readable by high school students, but it would benefit anyone with an interest in these documents. I taught American history for over 25 years and I learned something from this book. It's not a long book, but a worth your time. I listened to the audio edition and the voice characterizations of the two authors and their contemporaries was excellent.

[Alex Shrugged · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this summary quite a bit. I'd give it 3 1/2 stars if I could.

This audiobook is actually two in one. The first part analyzes the writing skills and the general arguments of Thomas Payne and "Common Sense." The context in which he wrote it was very helpful.

The second part analyzes the Declaration of Independence which, BTW, it was not called that when it was written, nor after it was approved and sent out. I especially liked the comparison to John Locke's writing.

I'd read/listen to this summary again.

[Andrea Nagreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’ve been reading Common Sense by Thomas Paine
So men say that I’m intense or I’m insane
You want a revolution? I want a revelation
So listen to my declaration:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident
That all men are created equal”
And when I meet Thomas Jefferson
I’m ‘a compel him to include women in the sequel”

Ok so yes, this read was inspired by Angelica Schuyler, via Lin Manuel Miranda!

[~tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dramatizations kept my attention in some of the drier passages. I also learned a lot about the Boston Tea Party that I didn't know.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting insights into two influential documents.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook and appreciated the context provided by the author when comparing Common Sense and the Declaration of Independence to other writings of the time especially when the listener has been out of formal school for many years.