Thomas Paine
1737-1809
Early Life
Born in England; moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1774. He worked in America as an editor for the Pennsylvania Newspaper following little success with jobs as a stay maker and officer in England.
Life in Pennsylvania
Paine took an oath of allegiance in January of 1775 to become a citizen of Pennsylvania. After arrival, and after recovering from illness obtained on his voyage, Thomas Paine wrote the best-selling pamphlet Common Sense.
Monument in New Rochelle, New York.
"Common Sense"
'America shouldn't just revolt against taxation, but demand independence!'
Printed January 10, 1776
Other Essays and Pamphlets
- "The Age of Reason"
- "Rights of Man"
- "African Slavery in America"
- "The Crisis"
Quotes
"The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection"
"Character is much easier kept than recovered"