By Gary Berton
The Truth Seeker is the oldest, and most influential, continuous, freethought publication in the world.
The Thomas Paine National Historical Association was formed as a result of the Truth Seeker magazine: nine of the sixteen founders of TPNHA were involved in the magazine. As well, for 150 years they helped resurrect Paine to his rightful place in American and world history in the movement for free thought and democracy.
Here is the opening editorial of its founder and first editor, D. M. Bennett:
“We are not unaware we are taking a bold stand –– one that but a few centuries ago would have cost us our lives, and one that even now may produce alienation of friends, and the censure of the bigoted and illiberal portions of the community. It is no small undertaking to oppose in a positive manner the religious superstitions of centuries, and to hold up in a clear sunlight of today the false theories and errors handed down to us from the dark ages of the past.
The Truth Seeker, at all events is in for a year’s campaign, and we hope the intercourse with our readers may continue many years; and we ask the friends of truth, light and mental liberty to give us their aid, both by contributing to our columns and in helping us to get up a generous list of subscribers. Again we say to our friends, let The Truth Seeker be sustained –– let it be successful in disseminating light and truth and in dispelling the fogs of superstition, bigotry and error.”