托马斯·潘恩（1737-1809)，英裔美国思想家、作家、政治活动家、理论家、革命家、激进民主主义者。美利坚合众国的国家名称也出自潘恩。他撰写了铿锵有力并广为流传的小册子《常识》,极大地鼓舞了北美民众的独立情绪，也被广泛视为美国开国元勋之一。后来受到法国大革命影响，潘恩撰写了《人的权利》，成为启蒙运动的指导作品之一。

THE RIGHTS OF MAN is Thomas Paine's famous answer to Burke's attack of the French Revolution leading to his prosecution by the English government for 'libel' in 1792. Within this pamphlet, written in plain language for the 'common, un-educated man', Paine defends the cause of the French Revolution linking his reasoning to a plain statement of ultimate political rights on behalf of the British people. Written as three parts and taken as a whole work The Rights of Man has a ring of modernity about it that sets it apart from all other writings of the time. For over 200 years ago Paine was advocating universal public education, children's allowances and old age pensions, for the public provision for work at wages for the unemployed and a progressive income tax. In his words' When it can be said by any country in the world, My poor are happy; neither ignorance nor distress is to be found among them: my jails are empty of prisoners, my streets of beggars; the aged are not in want; the taxes are not oppresive; the rational world is my friend, because I am the friend of happiness. When these things can be said, then may that country boast it's constitution and its government'. He demanded, not mere toleration, but a positive recognition that differences are beneficial and creative, and equal rights for all, irrespective of their divergent opinions. Whilst the State might be entitled to punish acts; it could never, under any circumstances, have the right to prosecute or penalize opinions. It was man's natural right to hold what views he pleased; and civil, or State rights could never abrobate natural rights, out of which out of which alone they could arise'. This is the voice ofeigtheeth-century enlightenment advocating democracy, such words put Paine in a category by himself amongst the great Radical Pioneers. Whilst he cannot be called a Socialist, as he preceded Socialism, his call for universal happiness is as relevant today as it ever was. This Illuminating, ground-breaking manuscript should be in every library and collection.