Thomas Paine was an English-born American political activist, philosopher, and revolutionary. He is best known for his influential pamphlet "Common Sense," which advocated for American independence from British rule. Paine's writings played a significant role in shaping the political ideology of the American Revolution and promoting the ideas of democracy and individual rights. He also wrote "The Rights of Man," which defended the French Revolution and criticized monarchy and hereditary privilege. Paine's works continue to be studied and admired for their impact on the development of democratic societies.