Question
What does Paine say America can gain by cutting ties with Britain?
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.
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
In this excerpt, Thomas Paine argues that America stands to gain several crucial benefits by cutting ties with Britain. Firstly, he asserts that establishing a government of its own is a "natural right" for America, which implies a fundamental belief in self-determination and sovereignty. By forming their own constitution, Americans could create a government that reflects their values and needs, rather than being subjected to the interests and decisions of British rulers.
Paine emphasizes the importance of proactively establishing their governance “in a cool deliberate manner,” suggesting that careful, thoughtful deliberation is preferable to leaving such a significant aspect of their future to chance or fate. He warns that those who oppose independence are unwittingly enabling tyranny by allowing the British influence to persist, indicating that remaining tied to Britain would lead to continued oppression.
Furthermore, Paine touches on the fervor and desire for independence that exists among many colonists, framing the expulsion of British rule as a noble and glorious endeavor. Overall, the passage communicates a strong call for independence, highlighting the potential for liberty, self-governance, and a brighter future free from oppressive foreign control.
Paine emphasizes the importance of proactively establishing their governance “in a cool deliberate manner,” suggesting that careful, thoughtful deliberation is preferable to leaving such a significant aspect of their future to chance or fate. He warns that those who oppose independence are unwittingly enabling tyranny by allowing the British influence to persist, indicating that remaining tied to Britain would lead to continued oppression.
Furthermore, Paine touches on the fervor and desire for independence that exists among many colonists, framing the expulsion of British rule as a noble and glorious endeavor. Overall, the passage communicates a strong call for independence, highlighting the potential for liberty, self-governance, and a brighter future free from oppressive foreign control.