Life Liberty And The Pursuit Of Happiness Full Quote
The phrase "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" is one of the most famous quotes in American history. It appears in the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The Declaration announced that the thirteen American colonies, then at war with Great Britain, regarded themselves as independent sovereign states, and no longer a part of the British Empire.
The Context of the Quote
The Declaration of Independence was primarily written by Thomas Jefferson, who was a delegate to the Continental Congress from Virginia. The quote "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" appears near the beginning of the second paragraph of the document, which begins with the famous words: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
The Declaration of Independence was a revolutionary document. It asserted that the people, not the government, are the ultimate source of political power. It also argued that the purpose of government is to protect the rights of the people, and that if a government fails to do so, the people have the right to alter or abolish it.
The Meaning of the Quote
The phrase "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" encapsulates the core values of the American Revolution. "Life" refers to the right to live free from arbitrary government interference. "Liberty" refers to the right to be free from oppression or coercion. "The Pursuit of Happiness" refers to the right to pursue one's own happiness, in whatever way one sees fit, as long as it does not infringe upon the rights of others.
The phrase "The Pursuit of Happiness" is sometimes misunderstood. It does not mean that the government is obligated to provide happiness to its citizens. Rather, it means that the government should not stand in the way of individuals who are pursuing their own happiness, as long as they are not harming others.
The Legacy of the Quote
The quote "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" has become a symbol of American values and aspirations. It has been quoted in countless speeches, books, and articles, and has been used to inspire people around the world who are fighting for freedom and democracy.
The principles embodied in the quote have also had a profound impact on American history. They have been invoked by countless activists and reformers, from the abolitionists who fought to end slavery, to the suffragettes who fought for women's rights, to the civil rights activists who fought for racial equality.
Conclusion
The quote "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" is a powerful expression of the values that have shaped American history. It reminds us that freedom, equality, and justice are not just abstract ideals, but concrete goals that can be pursued and achieved. As we celebrate the Fourth of July, let us remember the words of the Declaration of Independence, and let us rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of these noble goals.