Discussion Topic
Comparison of Paine's initial disclaimer with the stated goals of 'Common Sense'
Summary:
Paine's initial disclaimer in Common Sense emphasizes his reluctance to engage in political controversy, claiming his motivation is purely for the public good. His stated goals, however, are to advocate for American independence and to challenge the legitimacy of the British monarchy. This contrast highlights his strategic approach in presenting his arguments to a skeptical audience.
How does Paine's initial disclaimer compare with the stated goals of his pamphlet 'Common Sense'?
Paine notes in his introduction that ideas that at first seem radical (unfashionable) come to be adopted over time, argues that the king of England has abused his power over the colonies, states that he is has done his best to avoid partisan arguments, and asserts that the cause of freedom is the universal cause of all of humankind.
Most particularly, he states that England's actions in fighting the colonists—"laying a Country desolate with Fire and Sword," violating the natural rights of humans, and "extirpating" (destroying) those people who defend freedom—should concern any person of "feeling." In other words, this is not a struggle in which people should believe they can stick their heads in the sand and say it is not about them. It is about all of us, he states.
Paine then adds the following disclaimer at the end of the introduction:
The Publication of this new Edition...
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hath been delayed, with a View of taking notice (had it been necessary) of any Attempt to refute the Doctrine of Independance: As no Answer hath yet appeared, it is now presumed that none will, the Time needful for getting such a Performance ready for the Public being considerably past.
Who the Author of this Production is, is wholly unnecessary to the Public, as the Object for Attention is the Doctrine itself, not the Man. Yet it may not be unnecessary to say, That he is unconnected with any Party, and under no sort of Influence public or private, but the influence of reason and principle.
Paine's disclaimers—especially the last, in which he reassures his audience that he unconnected with any political party or partisan cause—is congruent with his stated goals. His goals are to convince people, especially Americans sitting on the fence about the Revolution, that both in terms of principle (or feeling) and in logical terms, the Revolution is right cause to support. He is making the lofty claim that the Revolution is about universal rights, not any petty personal quarrel.
How does the initial disclaimer in Paine's introduction to Common Sense, particularly the last sentence, align with the pamphlet's stated goals?
The goals of Common Sense were to promote immediate American independence from Great Britain and to argue for the establishment of a democratic republic, completely severing ties with monarchy and aristocracy. The urgency to acts immediately contradicts the introduction's opening paragraph.
Now as the moment to stand firm, fight valiantly, and seize independence is emphasized and passionately argued for in the pamphlet. Some examples of Paine's urgency and his understanding of the importance of freeing America from British rule are as follows:
'Tis not the concern of a day, a year, or an age; posterity are virtually involved in the contest, and will be more or less affected even to the end of time, by the proceedings now.
In other word, the above quote is saying that the weight of all of history rests on what the colonists do now.
Paine also says:
Now is the seed-time of Continental union, faith and honour.
The situation is urgent: the colonists, says Paine, must act immediately:
Ye that oppose independence now, ye know not what ye do: ye are opening a door to eternal tyranny, by keeping vacant the seat of government.
Paine conveys urgency as well in the quote below:
We ought not now to be debating whether we shall be independent or not, but anxious to accomplish it on a firm, secure, and honorable basis, and uneasy rather that it is not yet began upon. Every day convinces us of its necessity ...
The urgent goals of the pamphlet contradict the words of the opening disclaimer, especially the last line of it: "Time makes more converts that reason." The disclaimer implies that spreading the radical ideas discussed in the pamphlet, including independence and a democratic government, could happen slowly over time, until they seep into the public consciousness and come to be seen as normal. Yet in the pamphlet itself, Paine conveys the idea that these ideas have to be adopted immediately.