Common Sense
Thomas Paine, 1776
The heart that feels not now is dead; the blood of his children will curse his cowardice, 1
who shrinks back at a time when a little might have saved the whole, and made them 2
happy. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and 3
grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is 4
firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death. 5
My own line of reasoning is to myself as straight and clear as a ray of light. Not all the 6
treasures of the world, so far as I believe, could have induced me to support an offensive 7
war, for I think it murder; but if a thief breaks into my house, burns and destroys my 8
property, and kills or threatens to kill me, or those that are in it, and to "bind me in all 9
cases whatsoever" to his absolute will, am I to suffer it? 10
What signifies it to me, whether he who does it is a king or a common man; my 11
countryman or not my countryman; whether it be done by an individual villain, or an army 12
of them? If we reason to the root of things we shall find no difference; neither can any just 13
cause be assigned why we should punish in the one case and pardon in the other. 14
Question
The heart that feels not now is dead; the blood of his children will curse his cowardice, 1
who shrinks back at a time when a little might have saved the whole, and made them 2
happy. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and 3
grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is 4
firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death. 5
What inference can you make from contrasting the ideas in the first five lines of this passage?
Responses
AMost people allow fear to stop them from fighting in wars.
Most people allow fear to stop them from fighting in wars.
BWriting this passage when heartbroken, Paine's theme is one of despair.
Writing this passage when heartbroken, Paine's theme is one of despair.
CThomas Paine understands human fear and sympathizes with the flaws of comman man.
Thomas Paine understands human fear and sympathizes with the flaws of comman man.
DA cowardly person is as good as dead, but a brave person lives to fight for his beliefs.
A cowardly person is as good as dead, but a brave person lives to fight for his beliefs.