Anyone ever actually read Thomas Paine?

[nobody's_hero]

I picked up a book that has a compilation of his writings, "Common Sense" the "Crises", and "The Rights of Man" (I think there was another one in there, but I don't have the book with me, it's sitting on a desk at work so I can sneak in some reading when there's nothing going on ).

I never realized him to be quite so witty, but the last time I tried to read Paine's works, (years ago), it was all beyond my comprehension. I think you actually have to prep yourself with a liberty-mentality before attempting to read these books and get much out of them.

Reading his account of the French Revolution sets me on fire.

EDIT: Well, I meant to start a poll, but oh well.

[TNforPaul45]

I have a freshly new paperback of his compiled writings sitting in my room, it is on my reading list for this summer, along with dumas malone's six book biography of Thomas Jefferson.

It's been a great summer so far.

[TheAnswerTo1984is1776]

i have a very very old common sense printing.. it is a very good short read.

I also have the rights of man.

I consider Thomas Paine to be the father of all founding fathers.

[heavenlyboy34]

Common Sense, a while ago. What's it to ya, OP?

[nobody's_hero]

Common Sense, a while ago. What's it to ya, OP?

Just feeling a bit inspired.

Drawing parallels between the time of Thomas Paine and the time of Ron Paul, and seeing the shocking similarities. Knowing that our cause can win because it has won before. —That sort of stuff.

[silentshout]

I've only read "the Age of Reason" recently, but next on my list is the Rights of Man. I did read Common Sense when in school..it's been a long time though so I don't remember much

[WaltM]

I've only read "the Age of Reason" recently, but next on my list is the Rights of Man. I did read Common Sense when in school..it's been a long time though so I don't remember much

The Age of Reason is GENIUS & IMPRESSIVE.

One of my favorite anti-Christian books, and probably the best at its time.

For those too lazy to read : LISTEN TO IT FOR FREE.

http://librivox.org/the-age-of-reason-by-thomas-paine/
http://librivox.org/common-sense-by-thomas-paine/

[Koz]

I tried, but couldn't get through it sad to say.

[WaltM]

I tried, but couldn't get through it sad to say.

found it boring? or annoying? if boring, listening to audiobook may help.

[roho76]

I have read "Common Sense" and "The Age of Reason".

If you are religious don't read "The Age of Reason" if you are Atheist then it is a must. It's not really against God but more against organized religion. But none the less it's highly controversial. He wrote the first part of the book then was locked up in prison in France I think then wrote the later portion after he got out.