Life Liberty And The Pursuit Of Happiness Essay

936 Words4 Pages
“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.” These infamous words are known nationally, and even internationally, by all those old enough to read or hear them. These “truths” are the essence of the American Declaration of Independence, written in 1776 by Thomas Jefferson. Indeed, they are self-evident, in that they have endured in the centuries that have passed since that time and been carried upon American shoulders with dignity and pride. Though it is sadly irrefutable that we as a people have made gravely immoral actions, we have always striven to abide by these founding words – Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness – and continue to do so in modern society. Some argue that slavery was a direct violation of human rights, as stated in the Declaration that “all men are created equal” and that each one has a right to “Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” – regardless of their skin color. Other lines bring up similar controversy, especially “He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavored to bring on the…show more content…
But through our shifting and changing, we sustain a certain amount of perpetuality in that our ideals – those impressed upon us by the founding fathers of our nation – are passed down throughout the generations as basic and undeniable. The country’s pledge states these words as clearly as Jefferson announces the human rights of Life, Liberty, and pursuit of Happiness. “One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” These words symbolize our faith and enduring belief in the message the Declaration of Independence laid bare for a candid

More about Life Liberty And The Pursuit Of Happiness Essay

Open Document