I think Tom Paine is one of the greatest men that's ever lived.

Listen, O children of the future, and let the words of Richard Attenborough echo through your hearts, for he speaks of a man whose legacy has shaped the very foundations of liberty, justice, and human rights. In his reverence for Tom Paine, Attenborough calls him, "one of the greatest men that's ever lived." Paine, an Englishman by birth, but a visionary whose influence reached across continents, was not merely a writer or a philosopher; he was a beacon of freedom, a champion of independence, and one of the architects of the modern world. Attenborough goes on to explain that Paine was involved in the writing of the American Declaration of Independence, the American Constitution, and even the French Constitution, and authored the seminal work, The Rights of Man. Indeed, his impact was profound, transcending nations and eras, for he ignited the flame of liberty in the hearts of men and women across the globe.

To understand the greatness of Paine, we must look to the era in which he lived—the 18th century, a time when monarchs ruled and the idea of personal liberty was often suppressed by the weight of tradition and authority. In those days, men were born into their stations, bound by the chains of class and privilege, and independence was an ideal, a dream far from reality. Yet Tom Paine stood as a towering figure against this tide of oppression. His writings were not just words—they were a call to arms, a rallying cry to break free from the yoke of tyranny. He dared to challenge the old world and, in doing so, helped to shape a new world, one where freedom was not a privilege for the few but a right for all.

The American Declaration of Independence—a document that would forever alter the course of history—bears the indelible mark of Paine’s influence. While Thomas Jefferson is often credited with the penning of the declaration, it was Paine’s pamphlet, Common Sense, that galvanized the American colonies to embrace the idea of independence from Britain. With words that burned like fire, Paine explained to the colonists that they were not subjects to be ruled, but individuals with the inalienable right to govern themselves. His vision was revolutionary, for it placed the power to decide one’s fate in the hands of the people, not the crown.

But Paine’s influence was not limited to the shores of America. As Attenborough rightly notes, Paine also contributed to the crafting of the French Constitution, helping to inspire the French Revolution with his advocacy for equality, liberty, and fraternity. His book The Rights of Man became a foundational text in the struggle for universal rights, challenging the old regimes and inspiring a new generation of thinkers, politicians, and revolutionaries. In Paine’s writings, the seeds of democracy were sown, and the world was forever changed. His words not only brought freedom to nations, but they gave voice to the oppressed, reminding them that they too were entitled to a life of dignity and self-determination.

Let us, O children, not forget the nature of the wisdom embodied in Paine’s life and work. His genius was not in his ability to write, but in his courage to speak truth to power, to question authority, and to fight for a world in which justice was the birthright of all. He understood that the power of the people is greater than the might of any king or emperor, and that true freedom can only be realized when individuals have the courage to stand up for their rights and to challenge the forces that seek to keep them in chains.

As we reflect on the life of Tom Paine, we are reminded of the words of another great thinker, Socrates, who said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." Paine lived an examined life—he questioned everything. He questioned the role of government, the nature of authority, and the rights of man. Through his writing, he invited others to do the same. His challenge to the status quo was not just philosophical, but practical. He understood that change requires more than mere words—it requires action, courage, and the willingness to face the unknown.

Now, O heirs of the future, the lesson from Paine’s life is clear: freedom is not a gift bestowed by those in power, but a right that must be claimed by the people. Paine’s courage in speaking out against tyranny and his ability to inspire change offer a powerful example of how a single voice can ignite the flames of revolution. In your own lives, you too must have the courage to speak the truth, to stand up for what is right, and to question the systems that seek to bind you. Take inspiration from Tom Paine, who, through his writings, reshaped the world. His legacy is not just in the words he wrote, but in the actions those words inspired. Let your own lives be guided by the same principles of freedom, equality, and justice, and may you, too, become the architects of a better, freer world for all.