Not only was he in favor of it, but the concept in modern times originates with him. Even in his early writings he makes reference to it, but in Rights of Man and Agrarian Justice it becomes a central tenet in his philosophy of government. Paine says that no one should live in a condition […]
Was Paine in favor of a redistribution of wealth? Read Post »
No. He left for Europe two months before the Convention began, but he was not invited. His democratic views of government would have put him in conflict with most of the convention members, the wealthiest men in America.
Was Paine present at the Constitutional Convention in 1787? Read Post »
No. Several authors have made a case for Paine being the author, but the mainstream of historians have dismissed it. What can be said is that Common Sense prepared the framework and indeed much of the specific language of the Declaration. Common Sense spurred most states, cities, towns and counties to write their own Declarations
Was Paine the real author of the Declaration of Independence? Read Post »
No. Again, most of the "biographies" and myths about Paine originate from the early slander campaign by the British royalty and the Federalists, and that is where this myth started. Paine resided with the most prosperous, gentile people of his day, including Lords. They all praise his habits, temperment, and politeness. WJ Linton in a
Far from it. Paine had several occupations, most notably as an excise officer. However his abilities were used far beyond that position. For example, he was the only Councilman to serve in Lewes, England (an important commerce and redistribution center) for 6 straight years. This required political connections with the Whigs who controlled that area
Was Thomas Paine a “failure” before coming to America? Read Post »
If by "socialist" we mean a state-supported welfare system to ensure the poor and working poor lead comfortable lives, then yes. Paine supported a social welfare state. If by "socialist" we mean that wealth is produced by the working classes (in his day the farmers and the mechanics) and that they should reap the benefits
Yes. He was born in England, emigrated to the American colonies and became a citizen (took an oath to the country as an officer of the Army, and served in its government), and then was adopted by France with an honorary citizenship as well. For complete details see Thomas Paine's Citizenship Record under Articles &
No. Although many have tried to make that case (including an ex-President of this Association, William van der Weyde), Paine believed the government's role should be for promoting the general happiness and well-being of the people. In Agrarian Justice and Rights of Man he outlined the principles that would become the basis of the welfare
Since Paine believed that all organized religion was a tool to monopolize power and profit and to oppress the people, his belief in the separation of church and state was vehement. Witnessing first hand England's use of the church to wield the king's power, he learned early on to keep religion out of government and
What is Paine‘s position on the separation of church and state? Read Post »
Like the "disheveled drunk" slander, this is not supported by fact. This slander was part of the propaganda to destroy his reputation because his enemies could not destroy the content and influence of his writings. The farm he owned in New Rochelle was substantial, and he rented it out for cultivation. The money in the
Paine was the only leading Founder who served in both the military and the government during the Revolution. But more than that, it was Paine's Common Sense that transformed a tax rebellion into a social and political revolution. Paine provided the ideology of the American Revolution: an end to monarchy, establish a system of representative
What was Paine’s role in the American Revolution? Read Post »
The following quotes are NOT from Thomas Paine: “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.” This quote does not exist in the Paine corpus, and seems to have its origin in the 20th century. “Reputation is what other people think of us. Character is what God knows of us.” This quote is from a
