Certain Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, that to secure these rights governments are instituted among men. We...solemnly publish and declare, that these colonies are and of a right ought to be free and independent states...and for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honour.”
About This Quote
Source Document: United States Declaration of Independence, 1776
All people possess inherent rights to life, liberty, and happiness; governments exist to protect these rights, and citizens pledge their lives and fortunes to uphold them.
In simple terms: People have natural rights; governments protect them.
Key Takeaway
Defend and cherish fundamental freedoms.
Themes
freedom
equality
rights
government
citizenship
Mood
patriotic
serious
Type
historical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- civic engagement
- legal reform
- education
- activism
Key Concepts
political philosophy
law
human rights
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities accompany your freedoms?
- How do you contribute to protecting others’ rights?
A Different Perspective
Balancing rights with societal order can be complex.
![“[States and the Federal government are] coordinate departments of one simple and integral whole... The one is the domestic, the other the foreign branch of the same government.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/401/thomas-jefferson-43_branches_states-and-the-federal-government-are-co_2619.jpg)
![“Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period and pursued unalterably through every change of ministers, too plainly prove a deliberate, systematic plan of reducing [a people] to slavery.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00c/thomas-jefferson-43_change_single-acts-of-tyranny-may-be-ascribed-t_5515.jpg)
![“Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear their leading you out of [any difficult situation] in the easiest manner possible...” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ebe/thomas-jefferson-43_difficult_though-you-cannot-see-when-you-take-one_9828.jpg)
