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Craig White's authors |
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Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) |
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From the opening
to
The Declaration of Independence
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
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. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
Significance of Jefferson to American history, culture, and literature:
Drafted most of USA's founding document, The Declaration of Independence, defining human rights / civil rights, and mostly embodying a limited-government or anti-government attitude.
Popular among Christian Conservatives for mentioning "the Creator" even though Jefferson was skeptical of Christianity aside from its moral teachings.
Third president of United States, promoted westward expansion through the Lewis & Clark Expedition and the Louisiana Purchase, founded what became the Democratic Party.
Renowned as a writer, intellectual, scientist, diplomat, inventor.
Inherited vast properties from his father. See Monticello.
Controversial as slaveholder in favor of human freedom and father of children through a slave mistress.
Jefferson (standing) with
Franklin & Adams
drafting and editing the Declaration
(artist's conception)
