Thomas Paine and Modern Activism
Thomas Paine, the fiery revolutionary writer and philosopher of the 18th century, would likely cast a skeptical eye on modern activism. A staunch advocate for systemic upheaval and the rights of the common man, Paine would question whether today’s activism truly serves the causes of liberty, equality, and justice or whether it has been co-opted by the very systems it purports to challenge. While he might admire the passion and energy of many activists, Paine would demand a deeper examination of whether their actions lead to genuine change or merely perpetuate the status quo.
Paine’s writings, particularly Common Sense and The Rights of Man, reflect a profound disdain for superficial gestures that mask systemic injustice. He championed dissent as a moral obligation, urging people to confront entrenched power structures head-on rather than merely seeking incremental reforms. In this context, Paine might view much of modern activism as performative—focused on optics, fundraising, and symbolic victories that fail to address root causes. As Paine himself wrote, “Time makes more converts than reason,” suggesting that enduring systemic change requires persistence and principle rather than fleeting gestures.
For example, the commodification of activism through merchandise and social media campaigns might strike Paine as a betrayal of the revolutionary spirit. He would likely see these efforts as distractions, reducing dissent to consumerism and branding. Paine’s work was never about making people feel good or earning social capital; it was about challenging the foundations of tyranny and inspiring action to dismantle it entirely. “We have it in our power to begin the world over again,” Paine declared, emphasizing the transformative potential of genuine revolution over superficial reform. Modern activism, in contrast, often operates within the bounds of the very systems it seeks to critique, reinforcing their legitimacy rather than questioning their existence.
Paine would be particularly wary of the ways in which activism has been absorbed into the mechanisms of elite control. Many activist organizations rely on funding from corporations, governments, and wealthy donors, creating an inherent conflict of interest. This reliance can lead to compromises that align activism with elite interests rather than the needs of the marginalized. Paine’s disdain for monarchy and aristocracy extended to any system that concentrated power and wealth at the expense of the common people. “The strength and power of despotism consists wholly in the fear of resistance,” he wrote, and he would likely see modern activism’s dependence on elite sponsorship as a dilution of its revolutionary potential.
In The Rights of Man, Paine wrote: “It is the duty of every man, as far as his ability extends, to detect and expose delusion and error.” Applying this principle, he would call out the ways in which activism is often used to pacify dissent rather than ignite it. Symbolic gestures and performative actions provide an outlet for frustration without threatening the structural inequities that perpetuate injustice. Paine would argue that true dissent cannot coexist comfortably with systems of power; it must disrupt, challenge, and ultimately dismantle them.
Paine’s vision of revolution was inherently collective. He believed in the power of ordinary people to come together and demand change. Modern activism, however, is often fragmented and individualistic, with movements divided along lines of identity or single-issue campaigns. While Paine would acknowledge the importance of addressing specific injustices, he would lament the lack of unity in confronting broader systemic issues. As he wrote, “When we are planning for posterity, we ought to remember that virtue is not hereditary.” The fragmentation of activism undermines its ability to create the unified effort necessary for systemic change.
Moreover, the professionalization of activism—with career activists and organizations prioritizing sustainability over systemic change—might appear to Paine as a betrayal of the revolutionary ideal. He would likely argue that genuine dissent cannot be a career but must be a shared responsibility driven by principles rather than profit.
For Paine, dissent was not an event or a campaign; it was a way of life. He believed in the transformative power of ideas and the need for relentless questioning of authority. Modern activism’s focus on short-term visibility and fundraising would likely strike him as insufficient. In Paine’s view, true revolution requires not just challenging the symbols of oppression but dismantling the systems that create and sustain them. As he famously stated, “The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” Genuine dissent requires resilience, sacrifice, and a long-term vision.
Paine’s writings emphasize the need for courage in the face of overwhelming odds and the importance of principle over popularity. He would likely urge modern activists to move beyond performative actions and symbolic victories, instead embracing the uncomfortable and often dangerous work of systemic dissent. This would mean rejecting the co-option of movements by elites, resisting the commodification of resistance, and fostering a collective spirit that prioritizes long-term, transformative change over immediate gratification.
Thomas Paine, a relentless advocate for revolutionary change, would view modern activism with both admiration for its passion and frustration with its limitations. He would challenge activists to look beyond the surface, rejecting performative gestures and elite co-option in favor of true dissent. For Paine, the goal was never to operate within the bounds of an unjust system but to dismantle it entirely and rebuild something better. His legacy serves as a reminder that genuine change requires more than activism; it demands the courage to dissent, disrupt, and dream of a new world.
-Yuval-
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