Interview With Thomas Paine: Rights Of Man

Rights of Man

Interview with Thomas Paine

Q: What inspired you to write this book?

A: Well, it was basically just a response to Reflections on the Revolution in France by Edmund Burke. Also, it states how all humans are equal and have a right to be free and have liberty.

Q: What kinds of points were you trying to make in Right of Man?

A: First, all men are, and always will be, free. There is no question that this particular right should be taken away from anyone. Second, that when it comes to government, the main focus should be the rights of man. The goal of government is to be united and to focus on making life better for Americans. Third, no single person should be in control. Individuals who take power are not focused on the right goals for the American people. The people just must unite and work together.

Q: Did the book cause controversies?

A: Yes, with every book there is always something wrong with it. I'm not too sure what the people thought of it. I have my followers who supported it 100%, but there were the ones who criticized it. They felt as if I was talking for all the American people, which I wasn't trying to do, but I guess it did kind of seem like that. They felt as if I knew all the answers. All I was trying to do was make a point that things needed to be changed.

Q: Did you think it had an impact?

A: Yes, I think it showed the people that a reform was most defiantly needed. I think it gave them another perspective on the way of life. My ideas such as dissolving the aristocrat society, central government, and all equality of men, really changed the way Americans saw government.

Q: So you felt as it heredity had no