Thomas Paine: The Power of the Pen

“The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind.”
-from “Common Sense” by Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine’s contribution to The American Revolution proved that not all victories were won on the battlefield or in the offices of statesmen. As a writer, his power of words stirred emotion in all of its readers, from simple farmers to worldly ambassadors. As an idealist, his thinking would help change the course of history. He had a grand vision for America and although he came from humble beginnings, his talent and perseverance allowed his vision to be shared with the rest of the world. Truly, one person can make a difference and the story of Thomas Paine proves that. 

Paine’s early life was simple and unextraordinary. Born in Thetford, England on January 29, 1737, he was the son of a poor Quaker who made ladies’ corsets. After attending grammar school, Thomas became an apprentice to his father and began to make corsets as well. But that was not Thomas Paine’s destiny and soon he moved on to try other careers, like that of an “exciseman” (tax collector) in Lewes, England. It was in this position that Paine would find his voice and begin to speak up for the rights of the common man, even if it meant being punished. 

As an exciseman, Thomas Paine was unhappy. He believed that he and others in this position were being underpaid and treated unfairly. It was during this time that he had become interested in politics and had even started local debate clubs to discuss current events. After being fired from his position as an exciseman, Thomas Paine fought back. On behalf of all excise officers in England, he published a pamphlet in their defense. He angered his former employers by doing this, but it was a momentous occasion for Paine. With this act of rebellion, he found that the power of the pen could be very effective.