I teach a lot of Colonial/Revolutionary Literature, and my students tend to enjoy authors who had incredible influence on shaping America. Today is a chance to recognize one of those authors. On this day in 1776, Thomas Paine published the first in a series of pamphlets called "The American Crisis." The first lines are some of the most famous in literary and American history:
"These are the times that try men’s souls; the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."
The American Revolution wasn't going well, as the British were winning key battles. Many enlisted men were also ready to abandon the cause, as their contracts were set to expire in just a few weeks. But after being printed in the Pennsylvania Journal on the 19th, these indelible sentences were read aloud to downtrodden troops on Dec. 23, 1776, as George Washington's army prepared for the Battle of Trenton.
The troops regained confidence and turn the tide of the war. Paine's voice is a great reminder of how literature can change the world. During this time of year, we certainly celebrate the birth of Christ; but we should also remember the actions of Washington and the literature of Thomas Paine to create this great nation. Never underestimate the power of the printed word.
"These are the times that try men’s souls; the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."
The American Revolution wasn't going well, as the British were winning key battles. Many enlisted men were also ready to abandon the cause, as their contracts were set to expire in just a few weeks. But after being printed in the Pennsylvania Journal on the 19th, these indelible sentences were read aloud to downtrodden troops on Dec. 23, 1776, as George Washington's army prepared for the Battle of Trenton.
The troops regained confidence and turn the tide of the war. Paine's voice is a great reminder of how literature can change the world. During this time of year, we certainly celebrate the birth of Christ; but we should also remember the actions of Washington and the literature of Thomas Paine to create this great nation. Never underestimate the power of the printed word.