Thomas Paine remains the most successful journalist and pamphleteer in our nation's history. Paine wasn't known to be brilliant, and people regarded him as civilly disobedient and resistant during the height of his career. Receiving no formal education in literature, Paine managed to stir up an entire society through phrases such as "we have it in our power to begin the world over again" (Common Sense) in addition to "these are the times that try men's souls," from his literary work "The Crisis." Initially, Paine's heart was set on the prevention of America following in the footsteps of British aristocracy; in doing so, Paine repeatedly proved that civil disobedience is not intrinsically wrong but essential to the proper development of a budding society. Thomas Paine's influences stemmed from various roots, and he entered into America's public eye swiftly, causing crucial enlightenment in the principles and ethical views of Americans.
             Born January 29, 1737, in Thetford, Norfolk, England to Joeseph and Frances Cocke, Paine did not enter the eyes of man until after writing "Case of the Officers Excise," a short article in favor of better salaries and improved working conditions. In this document, Thomas Paine stated, "Evils they certainly are; for what can be more destructive in a revenue office than corruption, collusion, neglect, and ill qualifications?" In stating this, Paine is trying to get across to the reader that the problems such as corruption and collusion occur whilst salaries are scarce. Quite a few people believe that the derivation of Paine's influence is a consequence of the teachings of his Quaker father. Still, despite this belief, most of Paine's influence is believed to come from his most significant mentor, Benjamin Franklin. One of Franklin's most noteworthy impacts on Paine was his letter of recommendation, which Paine took with him to America.
             At an early stage in his life Paine, alongside Franklin, consisten...