You could call me a digital pamphleteer. And I wouldn’t challenge you to a duel. Because it’s a good, although partly old-fashioned, description. Now, I should tell you I hadn’t heard of the word “pamphleteer” before I read a little biographical information about Thomas Paine. He, of course, is the originator of the phrase we use, “No Paine, No Gain.” And pamphleteer means someone who writes pamphlets of a political or controversial nature.
So, digital pamphleteer means someone who does that without paper.
For example, my blog posts (you’re reading one now). Or my FunderCast, where I broadcast my “digital pamphlets” to the world using my voice and and an RSS feed.
But, back to the Paine-ful part.
Thomas Paine was a writer who lived most of his life in the 18th century (aka the 1700’s). And he was one of the first (if not the first) to write about the necessity for the American colonies to be free from tyranny of England. Somewhat ironic, since he was born in England.
Paine wrote a pamphlet he called “Common Sense,” which there was probably a lot more of back then. And before he started that series, he honed his writing skills at the Pennsylvania Magazine. First as an editor. Then as a writer of editorials that condemned the African slave trade.
He called those articles “African Slavery in America.” And he used the pen name “Justice and Humanity.”
After the first military battles at Lexington and Concord, Mr. Paine said the war should be about much more than just a revolt against taxes. In fact, he said America should declare its independence. And he provided many more details in his 50-page “Common Sense” pamphlet, printed on January 10, 1776.
The “Common Sense” pamphlet skipped the Latin philosophy stuffiness.
And, instead, Paine used Biblical references so everyday people could understand. Sort of like a good sermon. And it only took a few months to sell over a half a million copies. No small thing back then. It’s amazing, but not surprising, how using God’s words to get a point across…truly gets a point across.
Maybe you’ve heard the famous quote from Thomas Paine where he said, “These are the times that try men’s souls.” That came from one of his 16 “Crisis” papers. And George Washington thought the first one was inspirational enough to read to his troops who were getting pounded at Valley Forge.
Paine helped develop our unique American individuality. And his words helped, and even sort of forced people to choose sides. Because he understood how people who don’t choose…lose.
And, by most accounts, his pamphlets lead the way to the Declaration of Independence. By the way, that Declaration was unanimously ratified on July 4, 1776.
Hmm…I wonder if that has anything to do with our “4th of July” weekend coming up?
Love leads into joy…
Law leads back into slavery…
God gave us The Way.
Just believe, and we’re truly free.
Stay tuned,
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