Ideals and Realities
Thomas Jefferson’s used the phrase “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” in the declaration. Was it his original language?
What is the reality?
The words were his. They are, however, very close to phrases used by British philosopher John Locke. In his Second Treatise on Government (1689), Locke argued for government by consent of the people. He stated that each person has a natural right to preserve his or her own “life, liberty, and estate.” In the Essay Concerning Human Understanding (1693), Locke also wrote “the highest perfection of intellectual nature lies in a careful and constant pursuit of true and solid happiness.” Jefferson made no secret that he had read and admired the writings of Locke in developing his own political ideas.