What does this excerpt from Common Sense by William Paine mean: But there is another and greater distinction for which no truly natural or religious reason can be assigned, and that is, the distinction of men into KINGS and SUBJECTS. Male and female are the distinctions of nature, good and bad the distinctions of heaven; but how a race of men came into the world so exalted above the rest, and distinguished like some new species, is worth enquiring into, and whether they are the means of happiness or of misery to mankind.
Paine is questioning why people believed that some people were better than others.
thank you so much i was having problems because i don't speak the way that he speaks but thank you so much
You're very welcome.
In this excerpt from Common Sense by Thomas Paine, Paine questions the distinction between kings and subjects. He argues that while distinctions based on gender (male and female) are natural, and distinctions based on morality (good and bad) are related to religious beliefs, the distinction between kings and subjects is not justified by either nature or religion.
To fully understand the meaning of this excerpt, it is important to consider the historical and political context in which Paine wrote Common Sense. Paine was a political activist and philosopher during the time leading up to the American Revolution. He was a strong advocate for the idea of republicanism and questioned the legitimacy of monarchical rule.
Paine challenges the concept of kingship, suggesting that it is not a naturally occurring distinction like gender, nor is it a divine distinction like good and bad. He raises the question of how a certain group of men came to be elevated above others and treated as a separate class. Paine believes that this distinction has been artificially created and perpetuated by those in power, rather than being based on any inherent qualities or divine will.
Furthermore, Paine suggests that examining the effects of this distinction is important. He asks whether kings being elevated to such positions of power benefits or harms society as a whole. By posing these questions and critiquing the concept of monarchy, Paine encourages readers to consider the possibility of alternative forms of government, such as a republican system.
To fully grasp the meaning of this excerpt, it is also helpful to read the entirety of Paine's Common Sense, as it presents a comprehensive argument against monarchical rule and advocates for American independence.