This Writer seems to have very inadequate Ideas of what is proper and necessary to be done, in order to form Constitutions for single Colonies, as well as a great Model of Union for the whole. But altho I could not have written any Thing in so manly and striking a style, I flatter myself I should have made a more respectable Figure as an Architect, if I had undertaken such a Work. It has been very generally propagated through the Continent that I wrote this Pamphlet. Indeed this Writer has a better Hand at pulling down than building. But his Notions, and Plans of Continental Government are not much applauded. His Sentiments of the Abilities of America, and of the Difficulty of a Reconciliation with G.B. But all agree there is a great deal of good sense, delivered in a clear, simple, concise and nervous Style. Sensible Men think there are some Whims, some Sophisms, some artfull Addresses to superstitious Notions, some keen attempts upon the Passions, in this Pamphlet. Thomas Paine’s Common Sense presented the case for American independence in a way that spoke to the average person. 'You ask, what is thought of Common sense. January 10th, 1776, marked the publication of arguably the most influential piece of literature in all of American history. ( Read more about these differences and their lively evening in Dr. In response, Adams published his own pamphlet Thoughts on Government. Paine later showed up on Adams' doorstep to discuss their differences and they spent a lively evening in debate.

A writer himself, Adams was both envious of Common Sense's popularity and critical of some of Paine's ideas. Many people thought John Adams was the anonymous writer behind Common Sense. University Lecturer in American History at the University of CambridgeĪssociate Professor of American History at the University of Oxford and Fellow of St Cross College'I could not have written any Thing in so manly and striking a style.' Professor Emerita of Modern and Contemporary History at University College London More were inspired and, for Paine's vision of America's independent future, he has been called a Founding Father of the United States.

He argued the colonies should abandon all hope of resolving their dispute with Britain and declare independence immediately.

He vigorously attacked monarchy generally and George the Third in particular. Paine had arrived from England barely a year before. Addressed to The Inhabitants of America, it sold one hundred and fifty thousand copies in the first few months and is said, proportionately, to be the best-selling book in American history. Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Thomas Paine and his pamphlet 'Common Sense' which was published in Philadelphia in January 1776 and promoted the argument for American independence from Britain.

Thomas paine and common sense