Common Sense
The Political Pamphlet during American Revolution
In the second section Paine considers monarchy first from a biblical perspective, then from a historical perspective. He begins by arguing that all men are equal at creation and, therefore, the distinction between kings and subjects is a false one. Several Bible verses are posed to support this claim. Paine then examines some of the problems that kings and monarchies have caused in the past and concludes:
In England a king has little more to do than to make war and give away places; which in plain terms, is to impoverish the nation and set it together by the ears. A pretty business indeed for a man to be allowed eight hundred thousand sterling a year for, and worshipped into the bargain! Of more worth is one honest man to society and in the sight of God, than all the crowned ruffians that ever lived.
Thomas Paine
"Common Sense (pamphlet)." Wikipedia. Web. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Sense_(pamphlet)>.
Title Page of Common Sense. Digital image. History. American Revolution: Flags and Fliers Photo Gallery, n.d. Web. <http://www.history.com/photos/american-revolution-flags-and-fliers/photo5>.