emale are the distinctions of nature, good and bad the distinctions of Heaven; but how arace of men came into the world so exalted above the rest, and distinguished like some newspecies, is worth inquiring into, and whether they are the means of happiness or of misery tomankind
This part asks why some people are seen as better than others, like a different kind of human. It says that being a king or ruler is not natural and might cause problems instead of helping people.
But there is another and great distinction for which no truly natural or religious reason canbe assigned, and that is the distinction of men into KINGS and SUBJECTS.
Paine argue that dividing people into kings and subjects is unnatural and unfair. He says God never created some people to rule and others to obey. This challenges the idea of monarchy and supports equality among all men.
Perhaps the sentiments contained in the following pages, are not YET sufficientlyfashionable to procure them general favor; a long habit of not thinking a thing WRONG,gives it a superficial appearance of being RIGHT,
Paine is writing in 1776 to Americans in the colonies. He wants them to question British rule, even though most are used to it. He is trying to open their eyes and make them think for themselves instead of just following tradition. Paine believes that with time and reason, more people will see that independence is the right choice.
Thomas Paine Calls for Americanindependence, 1776
Paine's words are emotional and persuasive. He inspire readers to value freedom, equality, and independence, showing that ordinary people have the power to create change. His writing gave many colonists hope and courage to stand up to Britain. Paine's ideas helped spread the belief that a new, fair government could be built by the people themselves.
In the early ages of the world, according to the scripture chronology there were no kings; theconsequence of which was, there were no wars;
Paine uses historical and biblical examples to argue that monarchy causes conflict, contrasting peaceful early societies with violent monarchies.
Every spot of the old world is overrun with oppression. Freedom hath been huntedround the globe. Asia, and Africa, have long expelled her. — Europe regards her like astranger, and England hath given her warning to depart. O! receive the fugitive, and preparein time an asylum for mankind
Paine shows the revolution has global significance and urges America to protect liberty, emphasizing the importance of action.
O ye that love mankind! Ye that dare oppose, not only the tyranny, but the tyrant, standforth!
How does Paine's call to action compare to petitions, letters, or other revolutionary writings we've read in the course?
Society in every state is a blessing, but Government, even in its best state, is but a necessaryevil
Why does Paine separate society and government? How does this connect to Enlightenment ideas about natural rights or the social contract?
The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind.
Paine believes America's fight for independence is part of a larger global struggle for freedom, not just a local issue. This helps convince readers that their actions matter worldwide.
As a long and violent abuse of power, is generally the Means of calling the right of it inquestion (and in Matters too which might never have been thought of, had not the Sufferersbeen aggravated into the inquiry) and as the King of England hath undertaken in his OWNRIGHT, to support the Parliament in what he calls THEIRS, and as the good people of thiscountry are grievously oppressed by the combination, they have an undoubted privilege toinquire into the pretensions of both, and equally to reject the usurpation of either
Paine argues that when leaders abuse power, people have the right to question and reject them. This shows why colonists could challenge British rules.
But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason
Even if people resist new ideas at first, over time most will agree. Paine predicts that support for independence will grow naturally.
Society in every state is a blessing, but Government, even in its best state, is but a necessaryevil
He means people working together (society) is good, but government is something we only need because people are not perfect.
necessaryevil
"Necessary evil" means something unpleasant but required. Paine argues that even good governments are flawed because they restricted natural freedom.