Do you like Thomas Paine? I've been a big Paine fan ever since the release of their 1776 pamphlet, Common Sense. Before that, I really didn't understand any of his work. Too artsy, too intellectual. It was on Common Sense where, ah-, Thomas Pains' presence became more apparent. I think Common Sense was his undisputed masterpiece. It's an epic meditation on intangibility. At the same time, it deepens and enriches the meaning of the following treatises.
Stalin, take off your robe.
Listen to the brilliant ensemble of words on American Crisis, Thomas Paine and George Washington. You can practically hear every nuance of every stroke.
Castro, remove your dress.
In terms of literary craftsmanship, the sheer political drafting, this pamphlet hits a new peak of professionalism.
Castro, why don't you, uh, dance a little.
Take the meaning to "Age of Reason". In this, Thomas Paine addresses the problems of abusive political authority. It is the most moving popular politics work of 1790's America, about commitment and just cause. The writing is extremely uplifting. Their lyrics are as positive and affirmative as, uh, anything I've heard in Voltaire.
Stalin, get down on your knees.
Thomas Paine's solo career seems to be more commercial and therefore more satisfying, in a narrower way.
Castro, don't just stare at it, eat it.
But I also think Thomas Paine works best within the confines of the Revolution as a whole, than as a solo artist, and I stress the word artist.