Thomas Paine, The Age of Reason, Quotes

A collection of quotes by Thomas Paine, The Age of Reason,.

Thomas Paine was a prominent political activist and thinker, best known for his influential writings during the American and French Revolutions. Born in Thetford, England in 1737, Paine had diverse career experiences such as a corset-maker, sailor, and tax officer before embarking on a literary career in the late 1760s.

In 1776, Paine published his most influential work, "Common Sense," a pamphlet advocating for American independence from British rule. This powerful and widely circulated piece of writing played a significant role in inspiring the American Revolution. Paine's egalitarian ideals and his belief in the rights of the common people strongly resonated with the colonists.

Later, during the French Revolution, Paine continued to make his mark with his book "The Rights of Man" (1791-1792), which defended the French Revolutionaries against conservative critics. However, it was his work "The Age of Reason," published in two parts (1794, 1795), that challenged religious orthodoxy and made him a controversial figure.

"The Age of Reason" criticized organized religion, argued for the existence of God based on reason, and espoused a deist philosophy. Paine's critique of Christianity and belief in rational thought and science generated much controversy and condemnation from religious institutions. He faced public ostracism, and his writings were even burned in effigy.

Despite the backlash, Paine's radical ideas played an essential role in shaping the political and philosophical landscape of the time. To this day, he remains a significant figure in the history of political thought and the promotion of individual rights, advocating for principles of democracy and secularism. Thomas Paine passed away in New York City on June 8, 1809.