The pen writes for 'character'

“Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us.” – Thomas Paine
 

“These are the times that try men's souls,” wrote Thomss Paine nearly 250 years ago.  He spoke, of course, of the beginnings of the American Revolution, but his words from then might be considered apropos for today’s society as well – as would many of the other thoughtful things this Foundiong Father wrote. 

Born on this date in 1737, Paine was not only a political activist, but also a philosopher, political theorist, and author of the two most influential pamphlets at the start of the Revolution – Common Sense and The American Crisis, from which the above quote is taken.

Common Sense was so influential that John Adams said,                   

 "Without the pen of the author of Common Sense, the sword of Washington would have been raised in vain."

  

“We can only reason from what is,” Paine once wrote.  “We can reason on actualities, but not on possibilities.”  His reasoning and eloquent writings helped to birth a nation.  To read more about this remarkable man, check out the website: http://www.biography.com/people/thomas-paine-9431951#synopsis

Share A Writer’s Moment with a friend by clicking the g+1 button below.