Summary of The Rights of Man

The Rights of Man is a book by Thomas Paine, published in 1791. It is a political pamphlet defending the natural rights of man and attacking hereditary government. Paine speaks of the needs for a government that will secure and defend these rights of man, such as life, liberty and property. He argues that true government is based on the consent of the governed, and that if men are equal then they are entitled to the same natural rights. He also defends the French Revolution and makes the case for a more just society. He calls for reason to be the ultimate means of governing and for a more democratic legislative system which will protect the rights of the people.