• What does liberty and independence mean to Paine? Does he imply that limits exist to liberty? What about Adams? Paine - liberty and independence is the complete and utter freedom of mankind from tyranny. Such as the king of England and as Paine says “O ye that love mankind! Ye that dare oppose, not only the tyranny, but the tyrant, stand forth! Every spot of the old world is overrun with oppression. Freedom hath been hunted round the globe. Asia, and Africa, have long expelled her” (Paine). However, I do not believe that Paine implies any limits on liberty as Paine says “In the early ages of the world, according to the scripture chronology there were no kings; the consequence of which was, there were no wars; it is the pride of kings which throws mankind into confusion. Holland, without a king hath enjoyed more peace for this last century than any of the monarchical governments in Europe” (Paine). I believe that this passage alone …show more content…
Paine clearly considers "tyranny" to be an unnatural state, imposed by the few on the many. But what about Adams? In what context does she use the term tyranny? What do her comments reveal about potential flaws in Paine's worldview? Adams – Does not view tyranny as Paine does (imposed by the few on the many). However, Adams views tyranny as that “all Men would be tyrants if they could” (A. Adams). This statement alone shoots a hole into to Paine’s worldview that tyranny is only by a few against many. However, Adams view says that all men can be tyrants. • What do you think of John Adams' response to his wife? What limits does he believe exist on liberty? This response by John Adams is strange to me. I would think that John would support his wife. However, as he say’s “I cannot but laugh” (J. Adams). As far as limits J. Adams believes in I think he leans further too Paine’s side of belief that should be no limits placed on liberty and or freedom of