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Common Sense is one of the greatest publications of argumentation ever written. Paine was the finest writer of his age and was able to turn the discontents of the colonists and, especially, the intellectual leaders of the revolutionary movement into arguments that were easily understood by ordinary colonials and which inspired them to rally to the cause of independence. <p> You will notice the fluidity of his writing; it reads as simply, directly and forcefully today as it must have nearly a quarter of a millennium ago. Obviously, one did not have to be a great reader to be swayed by the force of Paines words or to be inspired to the side of those wishing to throw off the English yoke. <p> You will find echoes of Paine in many great American speeches that will run through your mind as you read. A number of quotes from Robert F. Kennedy seemed to have been directly inspired by Common Sense: <p> It is not enough to understand, or to see clearly. The future will be shaped in the arena of human activity, by those willing to commit their minds and their bodies to the task. <p> All of us might wish at times that we lived in a more tranquil world, but we dont. And if our times are difficult and perplexing, so are they challenging and filled with opportunity. <p> The Declaration of Independence itself is a direct offspring of this great tract. Jefferson and the others charged with developing the document were well aware of Paine and had the opportunity to evaluate his words and to use his methods in creating our declaration, and this takes nothing away from their genius.