Common Sense
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Common Sense by Thomas Paine comes up on The Rest Is History and The Ezra Klein Show, including episode with Ken Burns, with transcript quotes, timestamps, and episode context.
Common Sense by Thomas Paine appears 7 times across 7 podcast episodes on 4 shows, with transcript quotes and timestamps.
“Common Sense is you can see why it was so effective.”
Why people keep bringing this up
Hosts on The Ezra Klein Show invoke Common Sense when discussing the role of moral and spiritual language in politics and when recommending historical reading for political context. In one episode the host frames Common Sense as illustrative of how moral language has shaped public persuasion, contrasting that historical usage with today’s political discourse.
In a separate episode the work is positioned alongside Paine’s American Crisis as recommended reading for understanding American political thought, with the host suggesting different entry points for contemporary listeners. These mentions show the book is cited on the podcast as a touchstone for examining historical rhetoric and as a reference point in conversations about political identity and strategy.
The host mentions 'Common Sense' by Thomas Paine in the context of discussing the impact of Lord Dunmore's proclamation on the American colonies. This reference highlights how Paine's work served as a rallying cry for rebellion, although it is positioned as less influential than Dunmore's actions in converting Virginians to the cause of independence.
The host discusses the significance of Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' as a revolutionary pamphlet that argued for American independence from British rule. They highlight its mass circulation and impact on republicanism during a pivotal moment in history.
The host discusses the impact of Thomas Paine's pamphlet 'Common Sense' on the American Revolution, highlighting how it galvanized public opinion towards independence. This mention serves to illustrate the pivotal role of literature in shaping political thought during a critical historical moment.
Recent show rotation: The Rest Is History, The Ezra Klein Show, and The Joe Rogan Experience.
Guests tied to these mentions include Ken Burns.
Fastest path back to the source: the strongest indexed mention lands at 2:05 in the episode where we captured it.
Quick FAQ
Answers to common book, episode, podcast, and guest questions.
Which episode mentioned Common Sense?
349: The Birth of the United States (Part 3) on The Rest Is History is one of the clearest indexed episodes that mentioned Common Sense by Thomas Paine. Other indexed episodes include Can James Talarico Reclaim Christianity for the Left? on The Ezra Klein Show and An Appalled Republican Considers the Future of the G.O.P. on The Ezra Klein Show. The first indexed transcript timestamp lands at 2:05.
Which podcast mentioned Common Sense?
The Rest Is History, The Ezra Klein Show, and The Joe Rogan Experience are the main indexed podcasts currently tied to Common Sense by Thomas Paine.
Who mentioned Common Sense on podcasts?
Ken Burns is the main guest currently tied to mentioning Common Sense by Thomas Paine.
Why do podcast guests bring up Common Sense?
The host mentions 'Common Sense' by Thomas Paine in the context of discussing the impact of Lord Dunmore's proclamation on the American colonies. This reference highlights how Paine's work served as a rallying cry for rebellion, although it is positioned as less influential than Dunmore's actions in converting Virginians to the cause of independence. It most often appears in conversations about American Revolution and Slavery, American Revolution pamphlet, and moral leadership in politics.
Mentions across episodes
Every mention card links back to the episode page and exact transcript anchor.
“Common Sense is a pamphlet by Thomas Paine that argues for American independence and republicanism, published in January 1776. It had a massive impact and was widely circulated across the colonies.”
“The mention of 'Common Sense' highlights the historical significance of moral and spiritual language in politics, contrasting it with contemporary political discourse.”
“There's the American Paine, where you could read Common Sense. I'd say start from the American Crisis, which is much more of a general reader.”
“Thomas Paine comes in and writes this pamphlet, Common Sense. And all of a sudden people go.”
“He ended up writing the first bestseller, Common Sense. That was credited by many.”
“Woody Holton compares Dunmore's proclamation to Thomas Paine's Common Sense, noting its significance in rallying rebellion against the king.”
“Thomas Paine was hired to write Common Sense, which was like the first viral pamphlet advocating for freedom from British tyranny.”