A cherished copy of ‘Common Sense’

I have long thought that Thomas Paine and his progressive ideas and role in founding this country have not received sufficient attention. Omer Aziz has brought the matter into sharp relief with a thoroughly compelling essay.

Aside from how Paine’s writing inspired Americans during the Revolution, he holds a special place in my personal life. When I was in seventh grade (a long, long time ago) my social studies teacher stopped me in the hallway.

T.C. Lokken was an older teacher, tall, courtly, and always dressed in three-piece suits with his Phi Beta Kappa chain hanging from a vest pocket. As I stood, somewhat embarrassed with friends and classmates passing by, Mr. Lokken crouched down to speak to me. He said something complimentary about my work in his class — something to inspire an insecure boy of 12 — and gave me a copy of Paine’s “Common Sense,” suggesting I read it.

I tried, but the content was way above my head. However, I cherished the copy for years, eventually reading it cover to cover, twice. Thank you to Aziz, for shining a light on Paine and reminding me of T.C. Lokken.

CHARLES YELEN

Newtonville