Common Sense, The Rights of Man and Other Essential Writings

1. Rights are inherent, not granted by governments.

Every child born into the world must be considered as deriving its existence from God. The world is as new to him as it was to the first man that existed, and his natural right in it is of the same kind.

Natural rights. Paine argues that rights are not gifts from kings or governments, but are inherent to every individual by virtue of their existence. These rights, endowed by the Creator, precede any form of government and cannot be legitimately taken away. They include the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Governments' role. The purpose of government, according to Paine, is to protect these pre-existing natural rights, not to grant or define them. Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, and their legitimacy rests on upholding the rights of the people. Any government that infringes upon these rights becomes tyrannical and forfeits its claim to authority.

Implications for society. This concept of inherent rights has profound implications for social justice and equality. It challenges systems of oppression and discrimination, asserting that all individuals are entitled to the same fundamental rights, regardless of their social status, birth, or any other arbitrary distinction.

2. Society arises from wants, government from wickedness.

Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness.

Two distinct origins. Paine distinguishes between society and government, asserting that they have different origins and serve different purposes. Society arises from our natural desire for connection and mutual benefit, while government is a necessary evil created to restrain our vices.

Positive vs. negative. Society promotes our happiness positively by uniting our affections and encouraging intercourse, while government promotes our happiness negatively by restraining our vices and creating distinctions. Society is a patron, while government is a punisher.

Limited government. Paine's view implies a preference for limited government, one that intervenes only when necessary to prevent harm and protect individual rights. The ideal society is one where individuals are free to pursue their own interests and cooperate voluntarily, with minimal government interference.

3. Hereditary succession is both absurd and evil.

That the crown is this overbearing part in the English constitution needs not be mentioned, and that it derives its whole consequence merely from being the giver of places and pensions is self-evident; wherefore, though we have been wise enough to shut and lock a door against absolute Monarchy, we at the same time have been foolish enough to put the Crown in possession of the key.

Against nature. Paine argues that hereditary succession is contrary to nature, as it assumes that virtue and wisdom can be passed down through bloodlines. He points out that nature often produces "an Ass for a Lion," highlighting the absurdity of entrusting power to individuals based solely on their birth.

Historical failures. Paine cites the history of England as evidence of the evils of monarchy and hereditary succession, pointing to the numerous civil wars and rebellions that have plagued the kingdom. He argues that monarchy, far from ensuring peace, actually promotes discord and instability.

Inherent injustice. Hereditary succession is an insult to posterity, as it denies future generations the right to choose their own leaders. Paine asserts that no generation has the right to bind future generations to the decisions of the past, and that each generation must be free to govern itself according to its own needs and circumstances.

4. America's cause is the cause of all mankind.

The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind.

Universal principles. Paine believed that the American Revolution was not merely a local affair, but a struggle for universal principles of liberty and self-government. He saw America as a beacon of hope for oppressed peoples everywhere, offering a model for a more just and equitable world order.

Global impact. The success of the American Revolution would have a ripple effect, inspiring other nations to challenge tyranny and establish their own democratic governments. Paine urged Americans to recognize the significance of their role in shaping the future of humanity.

Responsibility to posterity. Paine emphasized that the decisions made by Americans would have lasting consequences for generations to come. He called on them to act with courage and vision, knowing that their actions would determine the fate of liberty throughout the world.

5. Religion should be a matter of individual conscience, not state control.

All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian, or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit.

Freedom of belief. Paine was a strong advocate for religious freedom, arguing that every individual has the right to choose their own beliefs and worship as they see fit. He opposed the establishment of national churches, which he saw as instruments of oppression and control.

Critique of organized religion. Paine criticized organized religion for its tendency to promote superstition, intolerance, and the abuse of power. He argued that religious institutions often serve to terrify and enslave mankind, rather than to enlighten and liberate them.

Deism. Paine advocated for Deism, a belief in a God who created the universe but does not intervene in human affairs. He saw the natural world as the primary source of religious knowledge, and emphasized the importance of reason and individual conscience in matters of faith.

6. Commerce, not war, is the path to global harmony.

Commerce is a pacific system, operating to cordialise mankind.

Alternative to war. Paine saw commerce as a powerful force for peace and cooperation among nations. He believed that trade could create mutual dependencies and incentives for maintaining peaceful relations.

Self-interest and cooperation. Commerce promotes self-interest, which in turn encourages cooperation and mutual benefit. By engaging in trade, nations can satisfy their needs and wants without resorting to violence or conquest.

Free trade. Paine advocated for free trade, arguing that it would lead to greater prosperity and understanding among nations. He saw protectionist policies and trade barriers as obstacles to peace and progress.

7. The Earth is the birthright of all, necessitating a system of justice.

The present state of civilization is as odious as it is unjust. It is absolutely the opposite of what it should be, and it is necessary that a revolution should be made in it. The contrast of affluence and wretchedness continually meeting and offending the eye, is like dead and living bodies chained together.

Natural inheritance. Paine believed that the earth, in its natural state, is the common property of all mankind. He argued that every individual is born with a right to a share of this natural inheritance.

Land monopoly. The introduction of landed property, while leading to improvements in cultivation and productivity, has dispossessed many people of their natural inheritance. Paine argued that this dispossession has created a system of poverty and wretchedness that did not exist in the natural state.

Agrarian justice. To remedy this injustice, Paine proposed a system of agrarian justice, which would provide every person with a basic income and a means of starting their life. This system would be funded by a tax on inherited property, ensuring that the benefits of civilization are shared more equitably.

8. Old systems of government are based on ignorance and power.

The two first, by being hereditary, are independant of the People; wherefore in a constitutional sense they contribute nothing towards the freedom of the State.

Superstition and conquest. Paine argued that old systems of government originated from superstition and conquest, rather than from the consent of the governed. These systems rely on ignorance and fear to maintain their power.

Corruption and abuse. Old governments are prone to corruption and abuse, as they lack accountability and transparency. They often prioritize the interests of the ruling class over the well-being of the people.

Need for reform. Paine called for a radical reform of old governments, urging nations to embrace systems based on reason, justice, and the rights of man. He believed that only through such reforms could true liberty and prosperity be achieved.

9. A written constitution is essential to limit government power.

A constitution is not the act of a government, but of a people constituting a government; and government without a constitution, is power without a right.

Foundation for government. Paine emphasized the importance of a written constitution as the foundation for any legitimate government. A constitution is not simply a set of laws, but a fundamental document that defines the principles, powers, and limitations of government.

Protection of rights. A constitution serves to protect the rights of the people by establishing clear boundaries for government action. It prevents government from becoming arbitrary or tyrannical.

Accountability. A constitution provides a framework for holding government accountable to the people. It outlines the process for electing representatives, enacting laws, and resolving disputes, ensuring that government remains responsive to the will of the governed.

10. The American and French Revolutions offer a path to a better world.

O! ye that love mankind! Ye that dare oppose not only the tyranny but the tyrant, stand forth! Every spot of the old world is overrun with oppression. Freedom hath been hunted round the Globe. Asia and Africa have long expelled her. Europe regards her like a stranger, and England hath given her warning to depart. O! receive the fugitive, and prepare in time an asylum for mankind.

Inspiration for change. Paine saw the American and French Revolutions as beacons of hope for a world mired in oppression and injustice. He believed that these revolutions offered a path to a better future, one based on liberty, equality, and self-government.

Universal principles. The principles of the American and French Revolutions are not limited to any particular nation or culture, but are universal in their application. They offer a framework for creating just and equitable societies throughout the world.

Call to action. Paine urged all those who love mankind to stand forth and support the cause of revolution. He believed that by embracing these principles, humanity could create a world free from tyranny, oppression, and war.

Last updated: May 7, 2025