The Rights of Man · Chapter
Editor's Introduction explained
Moncure Daniel Conway's introduction provides biographical context for Thomas Paine's 'Rights of Man,' detailing Paine's journey from America to France and England, his friendship with Jefferson and Lafayette, his invention of an iron bridg
What happens
Moncure Daniel Conway's introduction provides biographical context for Thomas Paine's 'Rights of Man,' detailing Paine's journey from America to France and England, his friendship with Jefferson and Lafayette, his invention of an iron bridge, and the political and literary duel with Edmund Burke. Conway contrasts Paine's republican principles, rooted in Quakerism and belief in universal brotherhood, with Burke's conservative defense of hereditary privilege and monarchy. The introduction covers the publication history of both parts of 'Rights of Man,' Burke's response, and the subsequent prosecution of Paine, highlighting their opposing roles in the French Revolution and the broader war between Royalism and Republicanism in Europe.
Themes in this chapter
Natural Rights of Man
Paine insisted on surrounding individual rights with a Declaration of Rights, not to be invaded by any government, rooted in Quaker belief in universal brotherhood and equality.
Representative Government
Paine believed that if allowed to choose representatives, the people would select their best and wisest men, and that government should be limited to defending individual rights.
Revolution and Reform
Paine advocated for peaceful revolution and reform, contrasting with Burke's support for war and the existing order; Paine sought an international Congress for peace.
Critique of Hereditary Government
Paine opposed hereditary monarchy and privilege, approving a French throne only if not hereditary; Burke defended hereditary succession as divinely ordained.
Characters to notice
- Thomas Paine
Central figure of the introduction; author of 'Rights of Man,' inventor of an iron bridge, advocate of republican principles and peaceful revolution, friend of Jefferson and Lafayette.
- Edmund Burke
Paine's political adversary; author of 'Reflections on the Revolution in France,' defender of hereditary monarchy, proposed criminal prosecution of Paine, fomented war against France.
- George Washington
Paine dedicated 'The Rights of Man' to Washington; mentioned as a President who affirmed Paine's republican principles.
- Marquis de La Fayette
Friend of Paine and idol of France; summoned Paine as an adviser in forming a new French constitution.
- Benjamin Franklin
Preceded Paine in Paris; Paine became the center of the same circle of savants and philosophers that had surrounded Franklin.
- Thomas Rickman
Paine's friend and radical publisher; Paine stayed at his home at No. 7 Upper Marylebone Street while revising proofs of Part Second of 'Rights of Man.'
- Louis XVI
King of France; Paine felt gratitude for his services to America and was willing to retain him as head of the executive, but Burke's actions contributed to his death.
- Charles James Fox
Leading English statesman who welcomed Paine in England.
Key passages
“Paine’s political principles were evolved out of his early Quakerism. He was potential in George Fox. The belief that every human soul was the child of God, and capable of direct inspiration from the Father of all, without mediator or priestly intervention, or sacramental instrumentality, was fatal to all privilege and rank.”
Paine's political ideas came from his Quaker upbringing; the Quaker belief that each person can be directly inspired by God without a priest undermined all social hierarchy and privilege.
Conway traces Paine's republicanism to Quaker theology of universal divine inspiration.
“While Paine maintained freedom of discussion, Burke first proposed criminal prosecution for sentiments by no means libellous (such as Paine’s Part First).”
Paine defended free speech, while Burke was the first to call for criminal charges against Paine's writings, even though they were not defamatory.
Contrasts Paine's advocacy for open debate with Burke's punitive response.
“Paine had faith in the people, and believed that, if allowed to choose representatives, they would select their best and wisest men; and that while reforming government the people would remain orderly, as they had generally remained in America during the transition from British rule to self-government.”
Paine trusted that ordinary people, given the chance to vote, would choose capable leaders and would stay peaceful during political change, as Americans did during their revolution.
Highlights Paine's democratic optimism and reference to American example.
