COMMON SENSE by Thomas Paine

Common Sense is a groundbreaking Philosophy pamphlet written by Thomas Paine, advocating for American independence in 1775 1776. With its clear, persuasive prose, Common Sense laid out moral and political arguments that inspired common people in the Thirteen Colonies to fight for self-governance. Published anonymously on January 10, 1776, at the dawn of the American Revolution, it became an instant sensation.

Widely sold, distributed, and even read aloud in taverns and meeting places, Common Sense had an unparalleled impact, achieving the highest circulation of any American publication in proportion to the colonial population. As of 2006, it remains the all-time best-selling American title.

In this revolutionary Philosophy work, Thomas Paine linked independence to core Protestant dissenting beliefs, shaping a distinct American political identity. Structured like a sermon, the pamphlet resonated deeply with its audience. Historian Gordon S. Wood described it as "the most incendiary and popular pamphlet of the entire revolutionary era." A defining piece of literature, Common Sense by Thomas Paine continues to be a vital text in political thought and history.