A Quote From The Declaration Of Independence
The Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, is a seminal document in American history. It is a statement of the colonies' separation from Great Britain and the creation of a new nation, the United States of America. The document contains many important ideas and principles, but perhaps the most famous line is the one that begins, "We hold these truths to be self-evident."
The Quote
The full quote from the Declaration of Independence is:
"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."
This sentence is often referred to as the "self-evident truths" or the "unalienable rights" clause. It is a powerful statement of the principles that underlie the American system of government and society.
What It Means
So what do these "self-evident truths" mean?
First, the phrase "all men are created equal" means that every person, regardless of their race, gender, or social status, has the same inherent worth and dignity. This idea is the foundation of democracy and the rule of law.
Second, the phrase "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights" means that these rights are not granted by the government or by any other authority, but are inherent in each individual. These rights include the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and cannot be taken away by anyone.
Finally, the phrase "the pursuit of Happiness" means that every person has the right to pursue their own happiness in whatever way they see fit, as long as they do not harm others.
The Importance of the Quote
The "self-evident truths" clause is one of the most important passages in the Declaration of Independence. It is a statement of the fundamental principles that underlie American democracy and society, and has inspired generations of Americans to fight for justice, equality, and freedom.
The idea that all people are created equal and have certain unalienable rights is a powerful one, and has served as a rallying cry for many social and political movements throughout American history. From the abolitionist movement to the civil rights movement to the fight for LGBTQ rights, the principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence have been used to argue for greater equality and freedom for all people.
Conclusion
The quote from the Declaration of Independence that begins "We hold these truths to be self-evident" is a powerful statement of the principles that underlie American democracy and society. It is a reminder of the fundamental truth that every person has inherent worth and dignity, and that everyone deserves the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As Americans, we should strive to uphold these principles and work to create a society that is truly just, equal, and free.