What is largely underappreciated is how European exposure to the novel concepts of governance helped spark the Enlightenment and give birth to modern democracy.
Thomas Paine articles on Democracy Chronicles
Born in 1737 England, Thomas Paine was perhaps the most important advocate for democracy in history and saw worldwide democracy as his ultimate goal. He fought with George Washington in the American Revolution while advocating for the end of slavery, the empowerment of women and diplomacy with Native American tribes. As the leading voice for democracy in the French Revolution, he stood alone calling for the end of the death penalty before the revolution devolved into the Reign of Terror, only barely escaping execution by guillotine himself. Contemporary poet Joel Barlow said, "Without the pen of Thomas Paine, the sword of Washington would have been raised in vain". Also see our articles on the Founding Fathers.
Thomas Paine and Bob Dylan
I commend Bob Dylan for grasping Thomas Paine’s essence, and for putting it to use. He did a much better job than most historians in that time.
Examining Government As A “Necessary Evil”
Thomas Paine defines government as separate from society, and indeed if society functioned perfectly there would be no need for government.
Thomas Paine Was Not A Libertarian
Libertarianism is the feeble step-child of anarchism: espousing that the individual is everything, the collective is always oppressive.
Thomas Paine and the Origins of Modern Democracy, Part II
Central to Paine’s political theories are his ideology of first principles. The foundation of these principles is equality, and as a direct result, justice.
Paine and the Origins of Modern Democracy, Part I
Thomas Paine is the founder of modern democracy. He crafted the democratic movement in three countries, and it spread on its own around the world.
Today I Am Celebrating Thomas Paine’s Birthday
Born in England on January 29, 1736, the largely forgotten Thomas Paine is known in some circles as the “most-important Englishman whoever lived”.
Upcoming Event: Thomas Paine’s Birthday Zoom Jan. 29
Hosted by the Thomas Paine National Historical Association, DC urges you to join a zoom event to celebrate the anniversary of Thomas Paine’s birthday.
Common Sense for Uniting America
Max voting unites us. It incentivizes all candidates to align their political platforms as closely as possible with the majority opinion.
Happy Tom Paine Day 2019 – Celebrating a Revolutionary
This year you can celebrate the event with the Florida Veterans for Common Sense in Florida or the much celebrated the Thomas Paine Society in California.