Every quiet method for peace hath been ineffectual. our prayers have been rejected with disdain; and only tended to convince us, that nothing flatters vanity, or confirms obstinacy in kings more than repeated petitioning—and nothing hath contributed more than that very measure to make the kings of europe absolute." – thomas paine, common sense how did this excerpt motivate colonists to support the creation of the declaration of independence? by reminding them that king george is in charge by reminding them that king george refuses to respond to their requests by pointing out the important contributions they have made to britain by pointing out times when peaceful methods have worked to resolve conflict