Common Sense

By: Thomas Paine

Narrated by: Adrian Cronauer

Length: 1 hr and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

This pamphlet, first published in 1776, set in print the word every American was thinking about, but none dared say: independence! It was published anonymously in New York, selling 120,000 copies in the first 3 months and half a million in that same year. Its author, Thomas Paine, wrote in a language that could be understood by any reasonably literate colonist. But more important than it being so well received, is that it captured the American colonists' imaginations and was a primary catalyst to the independence movement in the United States. Noted American historian Bernard Bailyn called it "the most brilliant pamphlet written during the American Revolution, and one of the most brilliant ever written in the English language."

Public Domain (P)1986 Recorded Books

Exceptional Listening

Excellent narration and exceptional read for any interested in one our Founding Fathers thoughts.

As relevant today as it was in 1776

The classic pamphlet originally published anonymously but written by Thomas Paine is as relevant today as it was then. Great read

revolutionary ideas for sure

This was a little difficult to get through but I'm very glad I listened to it all. I remember reading about this book when I was in high school and always wondered what it said. The main thing it showed me was how many of our rights in this country we take for granted and how different the thinking was back then. If you read it with an 18th century perspective it is amazing. I highly recommend it for it's historical value. It's no wonder it was a best seller in its day.

A timeless classic

This pamphlet is as relevant today as it was over 200 years ago. Especially rousing is it's explanation of the ungodly practice of human monarchy and it's adverse consequences and heavy burdens. From Congress to the White House, it's revelations shed light on the source of abuses experienced during the past two executive administrations. Dr. Paul was correct in stating, "Liberty is very young; tyranny is what is very old."

powerful no matter what era

loved it. strong response to the oppression of the era. sparked the emotions of a nation at a crucial time in American history

WOW! No wonder it's still popular after 200 years

This book was great and kept me interested the whole time. You can feel the fire in his voice from just gaining a nation and his excitement about the potential America has. The way he speaks and the beliefs and values they had is the reason we are now a great nation. Unfortunately our apathy and entitlement attitude make us just a hollow shell of the people who existed then.

Thomas Paine is God!

I could never give Tom Paine less than the fullest possible complement of stars. Audible has done us all a favor for releasing this part of the Gospel. I await "The Age of Reason" and "The American Crisis" with great anticipation. In the meantime, Bob Dylan will have to do:

As I went out one morning
To breathe the air around Tom Paine's,
I spied the fairest damsel
That ever did walk in chains.
I offer'd her my hand,
She took me by the arm.
I knew that very instant,
She meant to do me harm.
"Depart from me this moment,"
I told her with my voice.
Said she, "But I don't wish to,"
Said I, "But you have no choice."
"I beg you, sir," she pleaded
From the corners of her mouth,
"I will secretly accept you
And together we'll fly south."
Just then Tom Paine, himself,
Came running from across the field,
Shouting at this lovely girl
And commanding her to yield.
And as she was letting go her grip,
Up Tom Paine did run,
"I'm sorry, sir," he said to me,
"I'm sorry for what she's done."

Eye opening and refreshing

This is a refreshing book in a current American political culture where Common Sense is Not So Common anymore.

Still good to this day....

While the pamphlet was written to help spur patriotic support for the revolution... it still rings true to this day and when listening, a true American can't help but to side with the great hero Thomas Paine. A great listen and undoubtedly, anyone who does listen will get a much greater appreciation and an much greater ability to relate to the colonists' cause! I'd highly recommend reading/listening to anything by Paine!

A classic whose lessons still apply today

Where does Common Sense rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Common Sense ranks in my top ten of books I've listened to so far. It's timeless and its simple ideas are a foundation for a free society. It's the catalyst for what would become this great experiment in freedom and liberty, that being the United States of America.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Common Sense?

I really appreciated the comments about the debt we incur which is left for our children to deal with in the future. Paine at least encourages the country that if (or I should say when) they run up the debt we should at least leave something tangible, substantial and lasting for future generations.

What does Adrian Cronauer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Mr. Cronauer keeps things simple and straightforward. His speaking style is engaging and he never appears to try to be the focus of the story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The book was simply a reminder of how fortunate we are to live in this country and that it's something we should not take for granted. Simple steps, or as Paine describes it, "Common Sense", should always be at the forefront of what we as a people and republic decide is best for us.

Any additional comments?

I was initially reluctant at first to listen to a book written in a style of more than 200 years ago. But, I was pleasantly surprised to find it easy to understand and very enjoyable.