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We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with inherent and inalienable 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 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.

Thomas Jefferson#140

PoliticsFreedomLawRightsEqualityRevolution

About this quote

What does it mean?
All people have equal rights to life and liberty, and may overthrow harmful governments.
In plain terms
Everyone is born equal with rights, and can change bad governments.
What can you take from it?
People have rights to change destructive governments.

Where it applies

  • voting
  • protesting
  • citizenship

Putting it to work

  • assert rights
  • hold government accountable
  • participate

Questions to consider

  • What are your inherent rights?
  • When should you change government?

Another view

Revolution can lead to instability if not managed.

More from Thomas Jefferson

  1. 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 …

    Permalink to quote #139
  2. We must therefore...hold them as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends.

    Permalink to quote #141
  3. Here was buried Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, and Father of the Unive…

    Permalink to quote #138

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