Thomas Paine

A revolutionary writer whose pamphlets ignited democratic movements in America and France.

Thomas Paine (1737–1809) was a radical philosopher whose writings fundamentally altered the course of modern history. His 1776 pamphlet Common Sense galvanized American colonists to seek independence from Britain, selling over 500,000 copies in a matter of months. Paine’s plainspoken prose made revolutionary ideas accessible to the masses, arguing that ‘government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil.’

Later works like The Rights of Man (1791) defended the French Revolution and critiqued hereditary rule, while The Age of Reason (1794–1807) challenged institutional religion. These texts made Paine a controversial figure—hailed as a hero in some circles and denounced as a heretic in others. Explore his impact on democracy at the National Constitution Center.

Despite dying in poverty and relative obscurity, Paine’s ideas about human rights and representative government remain cornerstones of political thought. Modern scholars, as noted in Stanford’s Encyclopedia of Philosophy, credit him with bridging Enlightenment philosophy and popular activism. His works continue to inspire global movements for justice and equality.