Been Quote by Tom Stoppard
“It is easily and often overlooked that when Thomas Jefferson asserted that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness were inalienable human rights, he did so on the ground that they had been endowed by God, our Creator.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard, 1966
The quote highlights that Jefferson linked natural rights to a divine source, implying they are God‑granted rather than purely human constructs.
In simple terms: Jefferson said rights come from God.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the theological roots of human rights.
Themes
politics
philosophy
religion
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legal debates
- education curricula
- political speeches
- ethical discussions
Key Concepts
natural rights
divine authority
human dignity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does believing rights are God‑granted affect their universality?
- Can secular societies uphold these rights without religious basis?
A Different Perspective
Some argue rights are secular and not dependent on religion.
