Thomas Payne saw early 19th century America as proof, “that people born with a capacity for benign self-direction could work out their own destinies and bring into existence a world that reflected the fulfillment of desire rather than a compromise with despair,” according to Joyce Appleby, in her introduction to Common Sense and Other Writings.
In his earlier work, Payne advocated for universal public education, pensions for the aged, state relief for the unemployed, and a graduated income tax.
Interesting today that we have realized so many Payne’s goals yet seem destined to detour from the capstone of his philosophy, “that people born with a capacity for benign self-direction … compromise with despair.” We seem determined to replace that benign self-direction Payne thought so grand with a sort of sovereign by grace of God presidency and a nobility that is today’s Congress.
We have certainly compromised. I hope that compromise is not, “with despair.”
