Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)
“We hold these truths to be sacred and undeniable; that all men are created equal & independent, that from that equal creation they derive rights inherent & unalienable, among which are the preservation of life, & liberty, & the pursuit of happiness.”
- From an early draft of Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence. This excerpt was cited in Joseph J. Ellis’ book, American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson.
