Question
Why does Paine think that now is the time to break away from Britain? Check all of the boxes that apply.
Reconciling with Britain will lead to tyranny.
Other countries are breaking away.
No one knows if such an opportunity will come again.
Forming a constitution now will guarantee basic rights.
Britain is angry with America.
A government of our own is our natural right: And when a man seriously reflects on the precariousness of human affairs, he will become convinced, that it is infinitely wiser and safer, to form a constitution of our own in a cool deliberate manner, while we have it in our power, than to trust such an interesting event to time and chance... Ye that oppose independence now, ye know not what ye do; ye are opening a door to eternal tyranny, by keeping vacant the seat of government. There are thousands, and tens of thousands, who would think it glorious to expel from the continent, that barbarous and hellish power...
Reconciling with Britain will lead to tyranny.
Other countries are breaking away.
No one knows if such an opportunity will come again.
Forming a constitution now will guarantee basic rights.
Britain is angry with America.
A government of our own is our natural right: And when a man seriously reflects on the precariousness of human affairs, he will become convinced, that it is infinitely wiser and safer, to form a constitution of our own in a cool deliberate manner, while we have it in our power, than to trust such an interesting event to time and chance... Ye that oppose independence now, ye know not what ye do; ye are opening a door to eternal tyranny, by keeping vacant the seat of government. There are thousands, and tens of thousands, who would think it glorious to expel from the continent, that barbarous and hellish power...
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Thomas Paine, in his work "Common Sense," makes several compelling arguments for why it is the right time for the American colonies to break away from Britain. Based on your prompt, the following points reflect Paine’s reasoning:
1. **Reconciling with Britain will lead to tyranny.** - Paine argues that continuing to seek reconciliation with Britain will ultimately lead to oppression and tyranny.
2. **Other countries are breaking away.** - While this point is less explicitly stated in "Common Sense," Paine reflects a sentiment that aligns with the growing movement for independence witnessed in other parts of the world.
3. **No one knows if such an opportunity will come again.** - Paine emphasizes the urgency of seizing the moment to establish independence, warning that future opportunities may not arise.
4. **Forming a constitution now will guarantee basic rights.** - Paine advocates for the creation of a constitution that would protect the rights of individuals and provide a stable government, emphasizing that it is better to act now rather than leave the future to chance.
5. **Britain is angry with America.** - Although not the most prominent point in his argument, the growing tensions and conflicts between Britain and America, including punitive measures against the colonies, underscore the need for separation.
In summary, the points that apply to Paine's perspective on breaking away from Britain include "Reconciling with Britain will lead to tyranny," "No one knows if such an opportunity will come again," and "Forming a constitution now will guarantee basic rights." The other points can be seen as context or supplementary aspects of his argument.
1. **Reconciling with Britain will lead to tyranny.** - Paine argues that continuing to seek reconciliation with Britain will ultimately lead to oppression and tyranny.
2. **Other countries are breaking away.** - While this point is less explicitly stated in "Common Sense," Paine reflects a sentiment that aligns with the growing movement for independence witnessed in other parts of the world.
3. **No one knows if such an opportunity will come again.** - Paine emphasizes the urgency of seizing the moment to establish independence, warning that future opportunities may not arise.
4. **Forming a constitution now will guarantee basic rights.** - Paine advocates for the creation of a constitution that would protect the rights of individuals and provide a stable government, emphasizing that it is better to act now rather than leave the future to chance.
5. **Britain is angry with America.** - Although not the most prominent point in his argument, the growing tensions and conflicts between Britain and America, including punitive measures against the colonies, underscore the need for separation.
In summary, the points that apply to Paine's perspective on breaking away from Britain include "Reconciling with Britain will lead to tyranny," "No one knows if such an opportunity will come again," and "Forming a constitution now will guarantee basic rights." The other points can be seen as context or supplementary aspects of his argument.