With the publication of his
Rights of Man (1791, 1792), he had the respect of liberals everywhere, and he was, for a while at least, one of the most notable "citizens of the world."
Paine's position as a leader of world opinion did not last long. As a consequence of his involvement in the politics of three nations, he was somewhat less than the "disinterested" figure that he claimed to be in Rights of Man, and he had many enemies. When in the years 1794 and 1795 he published The Age of Reason, attacking the Bible and organized religion, opposition became outspoken. Many of those who had honored him in America for his support of the Revolution now reviled him for his supposed atheism. While he continued to have loyal supporters, he lost his international constituency, and by the end of his life was nearly forgotten. Although his reputation recovered after his death and he is recognized today as one of the American Revolution's most powerful essayists, many still dislike his radicalism and think of his writing as merely propaganda.
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