Trust in the power of human reasoning, the ability to question authority, and the natural human rights of liberty are all Enlightenment ideas that helped shape individuals thoughts on government and the rights in which it should uphold. Thomas Paine took these ideas and molded them to fit the changing political arena of America. By calling his readers to reason for themselves, Paine was able to convince some colonists that separating from the mother country would be the most beneficial decision for America. In questioning British authority in the colonies and the lack of representation given to colonists, Paine showed that Britain was imposing on natural rights of liberty. Had it not been for the discussions prompted by the Enlightenment, Common Sense would not have its' basic message that society should be free from
Trust in the power of human reasoning, the ability to question authority, and the natural human rights of liberty are all Enlightenment ideas that helped shape individuals thoughts on government and the rights in which it should uphold. Thomas Paine took these ideas and molded them to fit the changing political arena of America. By calling his readers to reason for themselves, Paine was able to convince some colonists that separating from the mother country would be the most beneficial decision for America. In questioning British authority in the colonies and the lack of representation given to colonists, Paine showed that Britain was imposing on natural rights of liberty. Had it not been for the discussions prompted by the Enlightenment, Common Sense would not have its' basic message that society should be free from