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Revisiting Thomas Paine and 'Common Sense' Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense" -- more than any other single publication -- paved the way for the Declaration of Independence. It was completed on Jan. 10, 1776, less than two years after Paine arrived in Philadelphia from Britain. NPR's Scott Simon re-examines "Common Sense" and its revolutionary author.

Revisiting Thomas Paine and 'Common Sense'

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Revisiting Thomas Paine and 'Common Sense'

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Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense" — more than any other single publication — paved the way for the Declaration of Independence. It was completed on Jan. 10, 1776, less than two years after Paine arrived in Philadelphia from Britain. NPR's Scott Simon re-examines "Common Sense" and its revolutionary author.