I speak an open and disinterested language, dictated by no passion but that of humanity. To me, who have not only refused offers, because I thought them improper, but have declined rewards I might with reputation have accepted, it is no wonder that meanness and imposition appear disgustful. Independence is my happiness, and I view things as they are, without regard to place or person; my country is the world, and my religion is to do good.

 

-  The Rights of Man (1791)

 

I was thinking about one of America’s greatest communicators, Thomas Paine. Paine is often under appreciated as one of the voices of the American Revolution. Born in England in 1737, Paine lived and worked in Britain until the age of 37, when he moved to the American colonies.

 

He wrote Common Sense in 1776 advocating independence for the American Colonies from Great Britain. He also wrote The American Crisis, a series of pamphlets distributed between 1776-1783 that supported the Revolution.

 

As John Adams said, “Without the pen of Paine, the sword of Washington would have been wielded in vain.”

 

To inspire the troops, George Washington ordered “The American Crisis” to be read out loud to his men:

 

These are the times that try men’s souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.

 

To listen to Paine makes one realize the power of words, and their ability to inspire, encourage and change the course of history. Today, as we barbecue and head to the beach, we should think about words and where they have led us, especially as we head for a presidential election that seems full of words. Whether they will inspire remains to be seen, but Paine’s words remain strong 230 years after they were written.