Thomas Paine (1737 – 1809) was an English-born American philosopher, political theorist, and revolutionary. He was an influential writer of essays and pamphlets. Among them were The Age of Reason, Rights of Man, and Common Sense, the all-time best-selling American title, which had a profound influence on the American Revolution, by making public a persuasive case for independence. Paine emigrated to the American colonies in 1774. In March 1775, he became editor of the Pennsylvania Magazine, bringing a strong political perspective to its content. He lived in France for most of the 1790’s, becoming deeply involved in the French Revolution. In 1803, he returned to the United States, where he lived until his death.

Quotes by Thomas Paine…