We have it in our power to begin the world again

“We have it in our power to begin the world again” Thomas Paine

When I saw this quote by Thomas Paine in the book, WCW, I knew I had to comment on the text.

These words were a part of a pamphlet titled “Common Sense” written by Thomas Paine in 1776. Historians tell us that this publication was written in a style that was understood by the common man and that it was probably the most influential piece of writing in our revolutionary war period.

Although this work was published 234 years ago, I find that the words are still meaningful today. Paine had a lot to say about society and government in general. It’s amazing to me that what Thomas Paine wrote all those years ago is still relevant. Common Sense was an essay that was written with a powerful purpose. If we’re talking about changing the world through writing, Common Sense is probably the most successful paper ever written. He really did change the world with his writing.

Common Sense sold over a half million copies in its first year of publication. Paine donated his royalties to George Washington to help finance the Continental Army. I guess you could say he put his money where his mouth was.

Since I had a lot to say about this, can you tell that it’s one of my favorite writings?

If you’d like to read the full text of Common Sense, it can be found at: http://www.earlyamerica.com/earlyamerica/milestones/commonsense/text.html