Common Sense

In “Common Sense” and “The Crisis” Thomas Paine expresses his idea about individual rights, the idea of revolution and what it means to be an American. John Locke had two major ideas about individual rights; human nature is potentially good, and mankind is capable of governing themselves. Thomas Paine criticizes the governing of Americans by Great Britain in his writings. Here are some statements that show shared feelings by Locke and Paine. “We have boasted …

…cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.” In this paragraph, Paine shows the meaning and love that defines being an American. Knowing that the price you will pay will be rewarded in the pleasure and severity of the outcome.