>>We are forgetting our very foundations and why we are what we are.
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>Perhaps this is because we don't know what our foundations really are. What did Thomas Paine say that wasn't said by philosophers 2000 years before hand?

Mike;

>>We take many things for granted for many reasons. Trying to retain our existence is a full time accomplishment. It is important for me to reflect upon those writings that influenced why we became a nation. It pains me to see our land become much the way England was during the 18th century. We are forgetting our very foundations and why we are what we are.

It is easy to dismiss the works of those who others feel are important with terms such as the one you used. “Perhaps this is because we don't know what our foundations really are. What did Thomas Paine say that wasn't said by philosophers 2000 years before hand”?

Our foundations can be said to extend back to the beginning of time. If that is your point I agree. I do not know that all of Thomas Paine’s writings were just a rehash of what was said 2000 years previous. Yes, humans do not often have original ideas. In fact from a theological viewpoint “God creates and man modifies”!

In regards to secular writing it is just a collection of words and concepts from the beginning of time. Sometimes concepts are developed through the human experience and mind. It is difficult to conceive that something cannot be improved upon with the passage of time. From your statement I would say there was no need for any philosopher after the birth of Christ (based upon the time line) to have existed or have contemplated the human condition. Everything had already been defined and no further work is necessary.

One can look at any concept as one chooses. Where the writings of Thomas Paine stand out as unique is the fact that he wrote in terms the common man could understand and appreciate. He was not obscure and he was to the point. He also wrote on topics that were timely and of interest to others.

Thomas Paine brought to the American people thoughts that helped to create our nation.

Thomas Paine wrote many books and one, “Age of Reason”, almost cost him his head at the hands of Robespierre. After nearly one year in French prison Monroe saved him from the guillotine and secured his release.

Tom