The s Belief That All Men - 1295 Words

Published on March 8, 1775, On African Slavery by Thomas Paine was available for the public ten months and two days before Common Sense. Despite the difference in publishing dates these two written works provide numerous similarities. For example, On African Slavery is addressed â€Å"To Americans:† (Paine 1) and Common Sense is similarly â€Å"Addressed to the Inhabitants of America† (1). Furthermore, both written works address Paine’s belief that all men are â€Å"originally equals† (71). In Common Sense, Paine uses this belief to discuss hereditary succession and monarchy, while in On African Slavery Paine uses this belief as a foundation of his argument against slavery. Hereditary succession is also discussed in On African Slavery, when addressing†¦show more content†¦Make specific references using direct quotations. The use of the word â€Å"common† may be found throughout the two works by Paine as well as the Declaration. For example, the Declaration of Independence uses â€Å"common† when referring to â€Å"common kindred† (Jefferson 4) and Common Sense uses â€Å"common† throughout the book when discussing a â€Å"common cause† (Paine 66), â€Å"common period of life† (66), and â€Å"common interest† (67). Furthermore, â€Å"common† may be found in On African Slavery when discussing a â€Å"common Lord† (1) and â€Å"common Justice and Humanity† (1). Another example of similar phrasing throughout Paine’s two works (Common Sense and On African Slavery) and the Declaration are found when condemning a King. Common Sense condemns the King multiple times, one example being â€Å"That the King is not to be trusted without being looked after,† (Paine 69). Similarly, the Declaration also condemns the King by explaining â€Å"The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in dire ct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.† (Jefferson 2). Furthermore, On African Slavery explains â€Å"...that these inoffensive people are brought into slavery, by stealing them, tempting Kings to sell subjects, which they have no right to do†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Paine 1). Finally, all three documents similarly reference equality. The Declaration of Independence