Thomas Paine's “Liberty Tree” printed in July 1775 truly emphasized that the colonies in America were seeking independence to have control of their own land. Although the Liberty Tree was an actual tree, it symbolized the increasing desire and determination of the colonies to be free and independent from England. Enlightenment, as defined in Thomas Paine's Common Sense, can be broadly defined is the movement towards reason and individualism rather than tradition. The text, by Thomas Paine, challenged the principles of liberty, equality, and justice.