“Thought on the present state of American affairs. In the following pages, I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense;”
These words, first published in Philadelphia on January 10, 1776, and signed anonymously “by an Englishman” could easily have been written today, a decade ago or even 100 years ago.
Thomas Paine wrote his pamphlet, Common Sense, in order to use “the influence of reason and principle” to encourage his Colonial neighbors to action. Specifically, he argued that America should be independent from England.
Before it was even a thing, Paine knew that united we stand, divided we fall.
“It is not in numbers, but in unity, that our great strength lies; yet our present numbers are sufficient to repel the force of all the world.”
He understood the dangers of concentrating power and the downfalls of an organizational hierarchy – specifically a monarchy.
“Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness; the former promotes our happiness positively by uniting our affections, the latter negatively by restraining our vices….
Wherefore, security being the true design and end of government, it unanswerably follows that whatever form thereof appears most likely to ensure it to us, with the least expense and greatest benefit, is preferable to all others.”
More is not always better. More control. More complexity. More laws. More rules.
Paine warned the Colonials about the dangers of the monarchy and the ruthlessness of their military. While the rebels fought the right to independence and liberty, the British fought for control.
Later during the war for independence in South Carolina, General Marion, understood the importance of uniting under a common cause:
“To conquer an enemy by the sword is, no doubt, honorable; but still it is nothing in comparison of conquering him by generosity.”
Such words stand in star comparison to the words from the British’s own lord Cornwallis:
August 18, 1780
To lieutenant colonel Cruger, commandant at the British garrison at Ninety-Six.
Sir,
I have given orders that all inhabitants of this province, who had submitted, and who have taken part in this revolt, shall be punished with the greatest rigour; that they shall be imprisoned, and their whole property taken from them or destroyed. I have likewise directed, that compensation should be made out of their effects, to persons who have been plundered and oppressed by them. I have ordered, in the most positive manner, that every militia-man who had borne arms with us, and had afterwards joined the enemy, should be immediately hanged. I have now sir, only to desire that you will take the most vigorous measures to extinguish the rebellion in the district which you command, and that you will obey, in the strictest manner, the directions I have given in this letter, relative to the treatment of this country.
You can achieve a lot by force or by kindness. Culture in any organization or on any project team starts at the top.
Common sense says that certain principles are universal. People want the ability to think, to create, to work hard, and to evolve. How many large organizations just exist to earn a bottom line? How many people are stuck in roles or companies collecting a paycheck?
Common sense says that small teams can and should exist even in large companies. You and your team should seek out perspectives that challenge what you believe – about a project, a market, an industry, or even your corporate mission.
What are you trying to accomplish?
Are you uniting people under a worthy cause?
Delegating authority. Seeking outside perspectives. Helping others win.
These are all within your control, no matter your position.
Common sense says that united we stand, divided we fall.
The Real Con 045