Humanists have been marking Thomas Paine's birthday since the 19th century – a tribute to the man who famously declared, 'My country is the world, and my religion is to do good.' In an era dominated by monarchs and inherited privilege, Paine arrived in the colonies with a vision for a radically different society. He imagined America as a 'blank sheet' – a secular republic that would serve as an 'asylum for mankind'.

To Paine, the 'wickedness of government' was never to be allowed to stifle the 'blessings of society'. His vision was uncompromising: a nation where reason triumphed over superstition, where poverty was recognised as a solvable injustice through social provision, and where government existed solely for the benefit of the governed.

Join Humanist Heritage Manager Madeleine Goodall in conversation with Paul ‘Polyp’ Fitzgerald on Thomas Paine’s 289th birthday to explore the life and legacy of the United States' most radical Founding Father.

Paul 'Polyp' Fitzgerald is a cartoonist, graphic novelist, and prop builder based in Manchester. A humanist freethinker, he also serves as chair of the Peterloo Memorial Campaign. Paul is renowned for his intricate and thought-provoking work, tackling complex political, social, and environmental issues through his cartoons and graphic novels. He has published a significant graphic biography exploring the life and enduring ideas of the radical thinker Thomas Paine. This work uses Paul’s detailed illustrative style to vividly bring Paine’s 18th-century era and revolutionary arguments to life for a modern audience. Paul’s distinctive approach across his broader work often focuses on themes like climate change, economic inequality, corporate power, and social justice, presenting sharp commentary aimed at making challenging subjects accessible and engaging.