The Rights of Man - A Revolutionary Defense of Liberty, Equality, and Representative Government

One of the most powerful and influential defenses of individual liberty and democratic government ever written, The Rights of Man remains a defining work of political philosophy. Written in response to Edmund Burke's criticism of the French Revolution, Thomas Paine rejects hereditary monarchy and aristocratic privilege while arguing that legitimate government must arise from the will and consent of the people.

Published in two parts in 1791 and 1792, Paine's work moves beyond a defense of revolution to present a practical vision of representative government founded upon natural rights, political equality, and constitutional law. He maintains that rights belong inherently to every human being and cannot legitimately be granted, restricted, or inherited by rulers. In the second part, Paine proposes progressive taxation, public education, pensions, assistance for the poor, and other reforms intended to provide economic security without sacrificing personal freedom.

Direct, fearless, and remarkably modern, The Rights of Man helped shape democratic and reform movements throughout Europe and the United States. Its arguments against political oppression and inherited power continue to challenge readers to consider the proper purposes of government, the responsibilities of society, and the rights possessed by every person.