2. Thomas Jefferson was
born in Virginia, in 1743.
He studied law, became a
horseman and a
competent violinist
He was a
philosopher, scientist, far
mer, architect, and
inventor.
Book: Notes on the State
of Virginia (1785.)
3.
4. The Declaration
of Independence
Thomas Jefferson
wanted John Adams
to draft the
Declaration of
Independence. “I will
not,” said Adams.
“What can be your
reasons?” Jefferson
asked. “You can write
ten times better than I
can.” “Well” said
Jefferson, “if you are
decided, I will do as
well as I can.”
5.
6. Change of perspective: Laws of
Nature and Nature’s God in favor
of people, not kings.
Declaration of the basis of
modern rights:
Equality, Life, Liberty, and
pursuit of happiness.
Change of perspective in
government: Government for the
people, not viceversa.
Criticism towards the
monarchical system.
There are references to Religion
(God, The Divine Providence.)
Very well structured, simple and
clear.
7. The Declaration of
Independence was the
cornerstone of the
contemporary
understanding of Human
Rights.
Despite the simplicity in
structure and language of
the Declaration of
Independence, the most
important fact is what it
conveys.
