In this episode of the Noble American Lives Podcast, host Bill Benson explores the life of Thomas Paine, focusing on his contributions as a philosopher, writer, and inventor. The podcast delves into Paine's design of a novel bridge, his correspondence with notable figures like Benjamin Franklin, and his political writings that have had a lasting impact. Benson reads from his book series 'The Parallel Lives of the Noble American Religious Thinkers and Believers', highlighting Paine's inventive bridge design to address the challenges of American geography, his efforts to sell the design in Europe, and the struggles he faced. The episode also touches on Paine's political engagement through pamphlets like 'Rights of Man' and 'The Age of Reason', showcasing his influence on American and European thought despite personal and financial challenges. 02:13 A Creative Epilogue: Imaginary Group Discussion 02:48 Thomas Paine vs. George Whitefield: A New Chapter 03:40 Thomas Paine's Ingenious Bridge Design 08:30 Paine's European Adventures and Bridge Endeavors 19:07 Return to Political Writing: The Rights of Man 20:18 Reflections on Paine's Legacy and Final Years

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