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Published anonymously in 1776, Paine’s Common Sense became an immediate bestseller, with 56 editions printed in that year alone. Using clear, accessible language Paine challenges the authority of the British government, arguing in favor of independence. Paine also reflects on the purpose of government, stating that it should allow all people “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Paine’s...

When we are planning for posterity, we ought to remember, that virtue is not hereditary. It is from our enemies that we often gain excellent maxims, and are frequently surprised into reason by their mistakes, Mr. Cornwall (one of the Lords of the Treasury) treated the petition of the New-York Assembly with contempt, because THAT House, he said, consisted but of twenty-six members, which trifling number, he argued, could not with decency be put for the whole. We thank him for his involuntary honesty.