Kyo 's Key Ideas from Common Sense
by Thomas Paine

He then gets to the core of his case in the section titled "The Present State of American Affairs," where he asserts that his arguments are based on nothing but common sense. Paine declares that the time for hoping for peace is over because Britain has taken up arms, and it's time for a new way of thinking. He argues that it's a mistake to believe that things will always stay the same just because America prospered when it was close to Great Britain—it's like saying a child must always eat baby food.

Moreover, political and religious refugees from all over Europe, not just England, came to live in the United States, so America's strong trade and business resources will strategically benefit the country more than Britain's military protection ever could. Britain's continued military protection will only drag America into wars with other countries.

Paine then appeals to the emotions of his audience, made up of ordinary Americans, accusing them of being cold and uncaring if they don't sympathize with the people of besieged Boston. He insists that anyone with human feelings who looks at Britain's recent actions should conclude that a split is the only just and fair course of action. Even if peace could be made with Britain, Paine warns that King George III would set himself up as an authoritarian leader of the United States, which would ultimately ruin the country in the long run, even if peace could be achieved in the short term.

Paine offers suggestions for how an independent America could be governed in the future, such as establishing a Continental Congress and charter and allowing each colony to choose a president in turn. The government, he argues, should prioritize the security of property, freedom, and the right to practice religion. Paine also discusses practical steps that an independent America would need to take, such as building a navy.

He highlights America's strengths, noting that it is young and the right size—neither too small nor too large and diverse—for creating and implementing a new government. Paine concludes that until America takes the initiative to seek freedom, the need will only grow, and the situation will worsen.

(end)

In later versions of Common Sense, Paine adds responses to a speech by King George III, which he calls a piece of villainy. In the appendix, he reiterates arguments against the claim that America is not ready for independence, asserting that the United States now has enough military experience to fight for independence and that delaying the effort will only make it harder. He warns that the longer it takes, the more likely it is that a mob mentality will take hold, preventing America from forming a good constitution.

Finally, Paine counters a Quaker objection to rebellion, arguing that Quakers should oppose unprovoked British aggression just as much as they oppose American revolt. If they don't, their pacifist stance is inconsistent and amounts to unwelcome interference.