Common Sense is a book written by Thomas Paine, arguing for the British American colonies to secede from the United Kingdom. Published in 1776, Common Sense was written to be understood by commoners, instead of wealthy, educated lawyers and politicians. The book increased support for the Continental Congress, and its popularity meant there were public readings for the illiterate populace. The Colonial Assassin Connor kept a copy of Common Sense at the trophy room in the Davenport Homestead.