Anniversary of COMMON SENSE

Truth is that the more accurate date is for yesterday, 9 January -- 234 years ago, Thomas Paine published his great work, the work he wished to be most remembered for, Common Sense.

Top Muslim Clerics condemn "terrorism."

 As near as I can tell, not a single N. American news agency carried this story other than the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting System). In my view, this announcement confirms Paine's view that, while he supported no institutional religion of any kind, that the vast majority of people want to do right by their neighbors.

http://www.americanbuddhist.net/top-muslim-clerics-issue-fatwa-denouncing-terror-attacks-canada-and-us

Thomas Paine -- a world overrun with fables and creeds.

"The world has been over run with fable and creeds of human invention." Thomas Paine to Samuel Adams, 1803.

Thomas Paine -- the social nature of mankind.

"Man, were he not corrupted by governments, is naturally the friend of man." Thomas Paine, Rights of Man II, 1792.

Sale price -- Thomas Paine to John Hustler, 12 July 1789

The above referenced letter sold at Sothebys for 10,000 GBP -- that's $16,132.97 USD at today's exchange.

http://www.sothebys.com/app/live/lot/LotDetail.jsp?sale_number=L09777&live_lot_id=4

Thomas Paine -- flattery v. service to mankind.

"It is not my custom to flatter, but to serve mankind." Thomas Paine, Common Sense on Financing the War, 1782.

New Paine letter? Thomas Paine to John Hustler, 12 July 1789

There is a letter from Thomas Paine to John Hustler, 12 July 1789
going to auction this Thursday, 17 December 2009, at Sothebys in
London, U.K. Click on the link below and wait a bit -- it takes a
while to load and then look at the fourth lot counted from the
upper left.

http://catalogue.sothebys.com/auctions/L09777/auction.html

The only mention I can find in the standard literature on Paine
is in Keane at p.587 and it appears, moreover, that this letter is
not included in any of the standard Paine collections. Your
comments solicited. Another big thanks to the ever alert Alaine Lowell
for spotting and sharing this.