My history hero: Steve Hackett chooses Thomas Paine (1737–1809)
Rock guitarist and former Genesis star Steve Hackett chooses Thomas Paine as a history hero
In profile
Thomas Paine was an English-born political philosopher and author. He emigrated to Britain’s American colonies in 1774, and in 1776 published Common Sense, advocating American independence.
His other best-known work was Rights of Man (published 1791–92), in which he presented a powerful defence of the French Revolution. His last great essay was The Age of Reason, a controversial critique of Christian theology and organised religion. He died in New York City at the age of 72.
When did you first hear about Paine?
In my thirties, I chanced on a book of quotations featuring some of his sayings – such as “The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion.” He clearly had a way with words.
What kind of man was he?
Born in Thetford, Norfolk, the son of a corset maker, in 1774 he emigrated to North America, with the help of Benjamin Franklin. He was a lifelong radical but, I think, a constructive one, and often found himself out of step with the extremists of the day. Sometimes an individual has to incur a degree of unpopularity in their lifetime if they’re to have a lasting legacy. He was such a person.
What made him a hero?
First and foremost, his outspoken championing of ideas such as freedom and equality. Some of the things he said could have had him killed in Britain, France or America. His desire to rid the American colonies of slavery incurred the wrath of enslavers, and he even took aim at organised religion, though he was a believer in his own way.
Colonial-era patriots in America drew inspiration from his bestselling pamphlets Common Sense and The American Crisis. He’s widely regarded as a founding father of democratic thought and free thinking.
What was his finest hour?
For me, it’s probably Rights of Man, the influential text he published in two parts in defence of the French Revolution. He was an early humanitarian, and spent a lot of time in France in the 1790s. I admire him for embracing the revolutionary cause there in the belief – right or wrong – that it would help achieve a more equal society.
He was even granted honorary French citizenship, though he was very much against the bloodbath that followed in the wake of the revolution, and was lucky not to be executed himself. Sadly, very few people attended his funeral in New York – though, interestingly, two of the mourners were African Americans.
Is there anything that you don’t particularly admire about him?
I can’t think of anything. He was seen by some as an agent provocateur, and I think he enjoyed being a thorn in the side of the British establishment, but everyone has a right to their own ideas.
Can you see any parallels between his life and yours?
I admire his support for the oppressed, including Native Americans and enslaved people. Like him, I believe in the brotherhood of man.
What would you ask Paine if you could meet him?
I’d ask: are you glad that you were born in that time? I’d also love to get his thoughts about some of today’s conflicts.
Steve Hackett was lead guitarist with the rock band Genesis from 1971 to 1977. His new solo album, The Circus and the Nightwhale, is out now, and his UK tour, Genesis Greats: Lamb Highlights & Solo, starts on 2 October (hackettsongs.com)
This article was first published in the November 2024 issue of BBC History Magazine
Authors
York Membery is a regular contributor to BBC History Magazine, the Daily Mail and Sunday Times among other publications. York, who lives in London, worked on the Mirror, Express and Times before turning freelance. He studied history at Cardiff University and the Institute of Historical Research, and has a History PhD from Maastricht University.