Created in 1791 simply because a reply to Edmund Burke’s Reflections on the Trend in France, Thomas Paine’s Rights of Man is a seminal focus on individual freedom and equality. Using the French Revolution and its own ideals as an example, he demonstrates his belief that any authorities must put the natural rights of its citizens above all else, especially politics. Following its publication, Paine left England for France and was tried in his absence for libel against the crown. Authoritatively examine by Matt Addis.