The Rights of Man · Chapter
Paine's Preface to the English Edition explained
In this preface, Thomas Paine explains his disappointment with Edmund Burke, whom he once considered a friend to mankind due to Burke's support for the American Revolution.
What happens
In this preface, Thomas Paine explains his disappointment with Edmund Burke, whom he once considered a friend to mankind due to Burke's support for the American Revolution. Paine recounts his time in Paris, his promise to answer Burke's forthcoming pamphlet attacking the French Revolution, and his efforts to promote peace between England and France. He also mentions a letter from a French minister advocating for better relations, which he had shared with Burke, and criticizes Burke for sowing discord between nations.
Themes in this chapter
Peace and Anti-War
Paine expresses his wish to avoid war and advocates for better understanding between England and France, criticizing those who profit from conflict.
Revolution and Reform
Paine defends the French Revolution against Burke's attacks, framing it as a struggle for liberty.
Characters to notice
- Edmund Burke
Paine expresses disappointment in Burke for his violent speech against the French Revolution and for publishing a pamphlet containing flagrant misrepresentations.
- Thomas Paine
Paine narrates his own actions, including writing to Burke, promising to answer Burke's pamphlet, and attempting to foster peace between England and France.
- Marquis de La Fayette
Implied as one of the friends of the Revolution in France to whom Paine promised an answer to Burke's pamphlet.
Key passages
“From the part Mr. Burke took in the American Revolution, it was natural that I should consider him a friend to mankind; and as our acquaintance commenced on that ground, it would have been more agreeable to me to have had cause to continue in that opinion than to change it.”
Because Burke supported the American Revolution, Paine initially saw him as a humanitarian, but now regrets having to revise that view.
Paine sets up his disappointment with Burke's shift in stance.
“I had seen enough of the miseries of war, to wish it might never more have existence in the world, and that some other mode might be found out to settle the differences that should occasionally arise in the neighbourhood of nations.”
Paine's firsthand experience with war's horrors made him hope for peaceful alternatives to resolve international disputes.
Highlights Paine's anti-war sentiment.
“That there are men in all countries who get their living by war, and by keeping up the quarrels of nations, is as shocking as it is true; but when those who are concerned in the government of a country, make it their study to sow discord and cultivate prejudices between nations, it becomes the more unpardonable.”
Paine condemns those in power who deliberately stir up conflict between nations for personal gain, calling it unforgivable.
Critique of war profiteers and political manipulation.