The Rights of Man

A historical political treatise on government in general up to his era and especially in defining government wholly based upon the inherent rights of all men, the populace of an area to whom he refers to as a nation via a document i.e., a constitution, drafted not by any governing body but by representatives of the "nation" and ratified by the people who comprise the nation, which defines the authorities of and restrictions on the government said constitution authorizes. Mr. Paine espouses a seminal work necessary in the political arena but also writes a bit naively as to the application of the said system of government by not taking into account human nature. I do not believe a man can create any system that will systematically prevent man's desires for wealth and power to not come to fruition of any man-made system. While some system may be devised to prevent corruption via one man the same system, with a number of men who are just as corruptable within it, is prone to failing to achieve its high design.This scenario may be seen in the actual forms of the republican i.e, constitutional approach and the various Marxist's communist approach that exist today. In our American constitutional method offices exist today in a form that was not allowed for or, naively, expected by the drafters of our system. This is seen in the offices of Representatives and Senators who earn an annual salary, pension, and medical privileges. Originally, as is indicated in Mr. Paine's work and elsewhere, permanent office and amenities were a luxury afforded officers of a monarchy's court. In the American system, it was expected, though not defined in writing, which was a serious mistake, that representatives and Senators served of their own accord, yes, elected by the people, and only compensated for their expenses, not a substantial income. It was may also be seen that it was thought and expected, though not defined in writing, that representation in both houses would naturally rotate from citizen to citizen and not produce life-time political positions with a pension and full medical care. The position of president was the only office for which annual compensation was expected and allowed and even that position was not allowed or expected to receive any type of a pension. These are not the only alterations to the system initially devised. They are just some of the most obvious.A similar process occurred in the various applications of Marx's communist system, which in its present form operates almost identically to a monarchical government, creating some of the worst tyrannical dictatorial systems man has yet known. Of course, communist systems do not look like the opulent monarchical system but opulence is the only difference. In present-day communism there is just as much class structure as ever there was in any monarchical system of government. It is not the single man that must be prevented from exercising corruption, it is an alliance of men hell-bent on exercising corruption that must, somehow, be prevented in any ideological system man might create.

Paine's Rights of Man offers many of his observations about the nature of freedom and government. It is largely a repudiation of Burke's divine right of Kings. Paine delves into painstaking detail on particulars of the English system of Monarchy and Paine's disdain of the Parliamentary system, both as to the deficiency of its representative system in the House of Commons and the tyranny and entitlement of the House of Lords. Numerous pages are devoted to now irrelevant analysis of taxes and expenditures that are quite boring and can be quickly scanned. Plenty of insights about the role of government and the Rights of Man permeate the early part of the book. Not my favorite of Paine's writings, there are frankly more fruitful books to read.

While Paine’s hopes for the course of the revolution in France would soon be shattered by the terror and Napoleon, over the longer arc of history his focus on the revolutions in America and France were more profound than might appear.His commentary in fact is the common sense of the Revolutions of 1848, the late nineteenth century and the twentieth century, when a liberal international order began to emerge out of the ashes of the Second World War.

Would that I'd have found this so interesting as a young student! Excellent essays on government and political will. Only two pages wasted on religion. A whole lot about the non-existent English constitution, and at least as much on the silliness known as the monarchy. Our founding fathers/brothers really did know stuff. Too bad so many of the lessons have been distorted and turned on their heads in recent years.

This edition is a follow up to other writings by this gifted author and statesman. Thomas Paine is a talented man who delved into the rights of man. He defended the system in America VS those of England. His premise was one of slavery of man rather than the freedom that was promised by the U.S. Constitution and a comparison of the English life for the common man and that of the new offerings in America.

Thomas Paine is my hero and one of the most fascinating men of history. He shaped the American revolution and our violent overthrow of the British government. His thinking has advanced the cause of human rights for three hundred hears and is still as fresh and current as the day it was written. A must read for every student of political thought or history. I think it should be required reading for every American high school student along with Howard Zinn.

This is the most famous work of the man who arguably was the soul of the American Revolution—and certainly its most fearlessly radical and independent thinker. Really more of a pamphlet than a book, it should be required reading for all Americans—along with "The Age of Reason" and "Common Sense." Thomas Paine should have been the first person carved on Mount Rushmore.

An important text for those wanting to understand the philosophical grounding of the ideas enshrined in the United States Constitution.

Everyone should read this book, written three centuries ago and yet the words resonate today..

The arguments are in my view unopposable regarding the issue of monarchy. I just found the necessary minutiae of the argument rather heavy going when being read over a period of time.

I purchased this as I was studying a Jurisprudence module at my University (Northumbria), and it was also useful for the Trials of dissenters module taught there too.From the non-academic perspective, it is an interesting read, and very well written (especially considering that Tom never went to school).It is an easy to understand and thought provoking read that still has importance today.

Thomas Paine writes a book that is as relevant today as it was at the end of the eighteenth century. Anybody who lives in a "constitutional" monarchy needs to read this, in order to reflectively consider their social/political identity. Very engaging, interesting, thoughtful, provocative and entertaining. Thoroughly recommended.

Another classic at a good price.

Ok

this book is full of important statements on the rights of man which have founded the strength's of modern Western civilized society. It can be read in parts and pick out the most relevant to your interest.

Here in UK we still have not brought our government or national institutions up to the rights as detailed by Thomas Paine; An unelected head of state; an unelected House of Lords, able to legislate.

Part 1 of the book could make an interesting read for some one with the background of the French Revolution and has read Burke's Reflection. Otherwise the book might excite only at places, but still there is enough food for thought.Yet to read Part 2.More thoughts on Part 1 of the book at : [...]

Item arrived on time and in an excellent condition. I am pleased with the service of this Seller and I will use again in the future. Many Thanks !

This primary source is a must read for history student. Have done an assignment based on this source in radical cultures, the intro proved v useful

Arrived ahead of time, in very good condition - about the foundations of political, social and economic freedom & much more....an amazing read|!

Thanks for the speedy delivery.

A1

Very good read.