Common Sense Freedom Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

If there is any true cause of fear respecting independence, it is because no plan is yet laid down. (3.42)

Some people might be afraid of being free from Britain because they have no clue what that kind of freedom would look like. It's kind of like when a housecat sneaks outside for the first time and doesn't quite know what to do with its newfound freedom.

Quote #8

Securing freedom and property to all men, and above all things, the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience. (3.47)

For Paine, the two central freedoms of an independent America need to be the freedom to own property and the freedom to practice any religion a person wants to. When he says freedom of property here, Paine is specifically criticizing the brutally high taxes that the British made the Americans pay.

Quote #9

A government of our own is our natural right. (3.50)

When Paine feels as though he has made enough arguments for freedom, he comes out and simply states that self-government is America's right according to nature. It's hard to argue with that kind of blunt statement.