How Did Thomas Paine Contribute To The Enlightenment Movement?

Thomas Paine and Benjamin Franklin were two individuals who shaped a new and modern way of life for the common people during the 17th century Enlightenment movement due to the numerous essays, and theories that were put forth by the two. The enlightenment movement happened during the 17th and throughout the 18th century in what is now Europe. It mostly questioned the views and ideas concerning, reason, humanity, and the most coveted topic God. The doubts of the philosophers led to changes. Tremendous improvements and changes were made in the domains of philosophy (how one sees the world), art, and most importantly politics. (Britannica 1 2015) Although many people had an impact on the movement, two in particular stand out. The first one being Thomas Paine, who was an English author, who many pieces regarding politics, and the human common sense. The second man is, Benjamin Franklin. Franklin was a scientist, writer and most importantly one of the Founding Fathers of

He used his audience in America and England to influence the course of the later 18th century. He used religious symbolism to bring across ideas of his beliefs. Paine said, “when I am told that the Koran was written in Heaven and brought to Mahomet by an angel, the account comes too near the same kind of hearsay evidence and second-hand authority as the former. I did not see the angel myself, and, therefore, I have a right not to believe it” (Paine, 1794:3). Thomas Paine used quotes like the one above to convey revolutionary ideas to implant ideas of revolution in the minds of his readers. He used ideas such as “I did not see the angel myself, and, therefore, I have a right not to believe it,” (Ibid.) in order to question the supposed divine power of the royalty. This is why the royalty of england labelled Thomas Paine as a