Thomas Paine was an English-American Colonialism & Post-Colonialism political activist, philosopher, political theorist, and revolutionary. Common Sense, by Thomas Paine is one of two influential Colonialism & Post Colonialism pamphlets that he authored at the start of the American Revolution. Common Sense inspired political freedom rebels in 1776 to declare independence from Britain. Written in a clear and persuasive voice, Paine marshaled moral and political arguments to encourage common people in the Thirteen Colonies to fight for political freedom and egalitarian government. Common Sense is often required textbook reading for politics & social sciences courses as well as politics & government courses.