"My country is the world, and my religion is to do good" - Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine was a social outcast when he died, in poverty, in New York City in 1809, even though he had published several works that arguably changed the course of history during the late 17th century - Common Sense, which helped inspire the American Revolution, Rights of Man, which opposed the idea of hereditary government and The Age of Reason, which attacked organised religion. Alienated from his peers, he spread fear among the ruling class and promoted critical thinking and rationality, providing a compelling argument for the use of reason in matters of faith. His deism made him a hated figure by the religious community and when asked, on his deathbed, by his Doctor if he wished to accept Jesus Christ, with his final breath he reportedly replied “I have no wish to believe on that subject”.

Join Polyp (aka Paul Fitzgerald), skeptic, freethinker, cartoonist and graphic novelist, as he explores the amazingly modern ideas - and almost comically dramatic life story - of a democratic hero who's been erased from popular history. His experiences at the hands of Robespierre's fanatical regime will surprise you in their resonance with the problems of contemporary political polarisation ... and you'll even get the chance to dance with his bones!

Polyp will also be signing copies of his graphic novel 'Thomas Paine's Bones', which will be available to purchase on the night.

• DOORS OPEN: 7:00pm (£5 on the door)

• TALK STARTS: 7:30pm

• AUDIENCE Q&A: 8:30pm

• BOOK SIGNING: 9pm (Books available to purchase on the night)

Brighthink is a non-profit organisation, none of our invited speakers charge for their time, and proceeds from ticket sales go towards the running costs that allow us to put on these events for the public.