One of Thomas Paine's greatest and most widely read works, Rights of Man is considered a classic statement of faith in democracy and egalitarianism. In this influential text, Paine defends the early events of the French Revolution and advocates for social security for workers, public employment for those in need of work, and the abolition of laws limiting wages. His visionary ideas on social reforms continue to resonate today.

Through his plain and direct style, Paine galvanized tens of thousands of readers and changed the framework of political discourse. Despite being tried and convicted for sedition by the British government, his ideas were hugely influential, sparking broader political debates of the 1790s.