# Essays — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for Essays by Thomas Paine.

- [Common Sense](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/common-sense.md): Thomas Paine argues for American independence from British rule, critiquing monarchy and hereditary succession, and advocating for a representative government based on natural rights.
- [Of the Origin and Design of Government in General, with Concise Remarks on the English Constitution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/of-the-origin-and-design-of-government-in-general-with-concise-remarks-on-the-english-constitution.md): Paine distinguishes society from government, arguing that society arises from our wants and promotes happiness, while government is a necessary evil born from our wickedness. He traces the origin of government to a hypot
- [Of Monarchy and Hereditary Succession](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/of-monarchy-and-hereditary-succession.md): Paine argues against monarchy and hereditary succession, asserting that all men are originally equal and that kingship is an unnatural and unjust institution. He uses biblical examples, such as Gideon and Samuel, to show
- [Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/thoughts-on-the-present-state-of-american-affairs.md): Paine argues that reconciliation with Britain is dangerous and that only independence can preserve peace and prevent civil war. He warns that a continued connection will lead to ruin, as the king will use his negative to
- [Of the Present Ability of America: With Some Miscellaneous Reflections](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/of-the-present-ability-of-america-with-some-miscellaneous-reflections.md): Paine argues that the time for American independence has arrived, emphasizing the continent's military strength, unity, and economic potential. He dismisses concerns about readiness, advocates for a continental charter a

> 15 more chapter companions — [open a free preview](https://www.betterreads.dev/reader?bookId=essays_3_se_351kb&preview=1) to unlock the rest.

- [Appendix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/appendix.md)
- [The Republican Proclamation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/the-republican-proclamation.md)
- [Anti-Monarchal Essay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/anti-monarchal-essay.md)
- [Royalty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/royalty.md)
- [Declaration of Rights](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/declaration-of-rights.md)
- [Dissertation on First Principles of Government](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/dissertation-on-first-principles-of-government.md)
- [The Decline and Fall of the English System of Finance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/the-decline-and-fall-of-the-english-system-of-finance.md)
- [Agrarian Justice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/agrarian-justice.md)
- [Editor’s Introduction](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/editor-s-introduction.md)
- [Author's Inscription](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/author-s-inscription.md)
- [Author's English Preface](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/author-s-english-preface.md)
- [Agrarian Justice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/agrarian-justice.md)
- [Means by Which the Fund Is to Be Created](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/means-by-which-the-fund-is-to-be-created.md)
- [Means for Carrying the Proposed Plan Into Execution, and to Render It at the Same Time Conducive to the Public Interest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/means-for-carrying-the-proposed-plan-into-execution-and-to-render-it-at-the-same-time-conducive-to-the-public-interest.md)
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters/endnotes.md)

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_3_se/chapters