Common Sense by Thomas Paine Summary
Overview of Common Sense
The pamphlet that sparked a revolution. "Common Sense" sold 120,000 copies in three months, transforming colonial grievances into a fight for independence. Even Washington had Paine's words read to troops - the 1776 viral sensation that made revolution inevitable.
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Key takeaways
The Revolutionary Spark in an Age of Tyranny
In 1774, a failed corsetmaker and dismissed tax collector arrived in Philadelphia with nothing but a letter of introduction from Benjamin Franklin. Within fourteen months, this seemingly unremarkable immigrant would ignite the American Revolution with words so powerful they still echo today. "These are the times that try men's souls," Thomas Paine would write, in phrases so stirring that George Washington had them read to his freezing troops before crossing the Delaware. What made Paine's writing revolutionary wasn't just its content but its accessibility-he spoke directly to ordinary people in language they understood, making complex political ideas feel like common sense. Imagine a pamphlet so persuasive it could sell 150,000 copies in a population of just 3 million-the modern equivalent of 15 million copies today. That was "Common Sense," which transformed reluctant colonists into passionate revolutionaries almost overnight. Yet despite his extraordinary influence, Paine donated all profits from his revolutionary writings to the American cause. This selflessness reflected his lifelong commitment to principle over profit, a stance that would eventually cost him dearly. By the time of his death in 1809, the man John Adams credited with causing the American Revolution died nearly penniless and largely forgotten, with only six mourners at his funeral.
From Society's Margins to History's Center Stage
The Pamphlet That Changed Everything
Sustaining the Revolution Through Crisis
Rights, Reason, and Radical Reform
Pioneer of Social Justice and Lasting Legacy
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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