Paine was the first major figure to argue for a fairly comprehensive system of social security benefits to prevent and alleviate poverty and has, as a result, been described by some as the ‘prophet of the modern welfare state’ (Canavan, 1963, p 658). To most people, however, Paine is known for his political ideas: as the staunchest supporter of democratic government against monarchical rule – he was ‘the prophet of democracy’ (Hearnshaw, 1931, p 140). His social security programme was tied to his political system, for he strongly believed that it could only be fulfilled in a democratic society. Vice versa, democracy, he argued, would be enhanced and strengthened by the implementation of a social security system. In brief, he supported the idea that became widely accepted from the second half of the 19th century onwards that a degree of economic equality is an essential ingredient of political liberty. Political and welfare rights go together, he argued.

He took part in both the American and the French Revolution, and did his utmost to enlighten the public in England so as to bring about a republican government. Unlike most thinkers, Paine was a radical political activist; and unlike most revolutionaries, he was a thinker. He excited both devotion and hatred. He was idolised by millions and his books sold hundreds of thousands of copies; but he was also hated by millions, and his major book, The Rights of Man (1791/2) was proscribed by the government in England – it was burnt in public, those who sold it were imprisoned or exiled; and those who propagated its ideas were punished. He was a major figure in the revolution in France, but was later imprisoned for pleading to save the king from execution; he contributed immensely to the success of the American Revolution, but was later disowned because he was considered an atheist for his deist views; his popularity among the radicals and the working class in England was second to none, but he was also tried for sedition and sentenced to become an outlaw.

Human nature

As with all other writers, Paine's views on welfare and politics were influenced by his personal beliefs on human nature.