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.
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
Putting it to work
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
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 We must therefore...hold them as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends.
Permalink to quote #141 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
Related quotes
Political Freedom without economic equality is a pretense, a fraud, a lie; and the workers want no lying.
Mikhail BakuninMikhail Bakunin quote #3 Political agitation, by the passions it arouses or the convictions it engenders, may in fact stimulate men to the violation of the law. Detestation of existing…
Learned HandLearned Hand quote #5 The idea is that the state doesn't have rights to limit individuals' wants and passions. I disagree with that. I think we absolutely have rights because there …
Rick SantorumRick Santorum quote #6