Hero or Little-man Syndrome?

If you know much about the American Revolution then you have definitely
 heard the words of Thomas Paine. "These are the times that try men's souls." or "What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value." You may not know that Paine was not only a voice for the American Revolution but also the French Revolution and also a voice to condemn the Catholic Church and religion in general. It seems Paine had a knack to be on the side of whomever was picking a fight... does that make him a hero of just a guy with little-man syndrome?

Paine grew up near Norfolk, England - not too far from the gallows. His parents had differing views on religion. He grew up poor but worked hard... Sort of... He had various jobs, various wives (not at the same time - ), and lots of debts. He frequently skipped out on work to print and spread pamphlets about his (political/economical) beliefs. It got him fired and helped amass his debts. Check out the summary on wiki or better yet read this concise book about him along with a great collection of his writings Common Sense and Related Writings by Thomas Slaughter.

Paine made himself famous to the American Public with the publishing of Common Sense and later when it seemed that the war might be lost Paine produced his series The Crisis to help rouse the efforts of the patriots. After the war was won he advocated a pure democracy and spurned the new government rising in power. He spoke out against anything taking rights away from the "little man."

When things weren't going his way (and he had started picking up more debts) he ran to the French Revolution to help champion their efforts. As Paine's life wound down he wrote Age of Reason where he took on the Catholic Church ("The Vatican is a dagger in the heart of Italy") and Religion in general. He became a very bitter man as he grew towards death, but he wasn't known for being a nice guy.

Paine's words are are a forecast of the world station - I hope. It seems that as we gain greater connectivity that we gain greater power. Companies and Governments are turning more and more to the shaping of their practices by the input of the people. But "Tyranny, like Hell, is not easily overcome." We may have to be like Paine - always looking for a fight - and a little rough around the edges. I think I'm okay with that. How 'bout you?