Paine, Thomas (1737-1809), Anglo-American political philosopher, whose writings had great influence during two upheavals in the 18th century: the American Revolution (1775-1783) and the French Revolution (1789-1799). “My country is the world, and my religion is to do good.” (Paine, 198) Paine was born in Thetford, Norfolk, England, to an Anglican mother and a Quaker father. He remained poor throughout his life. At the age of 13 he began working for his father, and at 19 he went …showed first 75 words of 951 total…

…showed last 75 words of 951 total…in Paine gaining ill repute as an atheist and in the alienation of most of his old friends. In 1802 Paine returned to the United States with the help of President Thomas Jefferson, and found that people there had a negative opinion of him as well. He died in New York City and was buried on his farm in New Rochelle. Ten years later journalist William Cobbett moved his remains to England; they were subsequently lost.