Thomas Paine (1737 – 1809) was an English-born American revolutionary, writer, and political philosopher. His pamphlets Common Sense (1776) and The American Crisis (1776 – 1783) were instrumental in rallying support for American independence, making him one of the most influential voices of the Revolution.
Born in Thetford, England, Paine worked as a staymaker, excise officer, and schoolteacher before meeting Benjamin Franklin in London. Encouraged by Franklin, he emigrated to America in 1774. Soon after arriving, he wrote Common Sense, a widely read pamphlet that called for complete independence from Britain. His bold arguments inspired colonial resistance and directly influenced the Declaration of Independence.
During the Revolution, Paine wrote The American Crisis, a series of essays that boosted morale among soldiers, famously stating "These are the times that try men's souls". After the war, he moved to France, becoming involved in the French Revolution and writing Rights of Man (1791) in defense of republican ideals. He was later imprisoned in France during the Reign of Terror but was released with the help of U.S. diplomat James Monroe.
Paine’s later works, including The Age of Reason (1794 – 1807), criticized organized religion and promoted Deism, leading to his ostracization. Returning to the U.S. in 1802, he lived his final years in relative obscurity. He died in 1809, with only a few attending his funeral. Despite his controversial legacy, Paine's writings remain central to discussions on democracy and human rights.