ABSTRACT
Thomas Paine ranks among the great Western political thinkers for three main reasons. First, he developed his writings in a thoughtful and visionary manner, discussing themes and issues that have continuously been relevant to debates on governance. Second, he introduced a new style of political writing, known as "democratic prose". Thirdly, Paine became a source of inspiration for many future progressive movements and freethinkers. Broadly speaking, Paine's views have been an inspiration for the idea of liberal democracy everywhere. Paine's ideas about natural rights and popular sovereignty are important elements of modern political theory. This is for two particular reasons. First, Paine articulated the concept of democratic revolution as a pathway to provoke social and political change. Second, he rejected the idea that only a few enlightened men could understand politics and participate in it. Paine tried to transform political language into an instrument that any person could use.
