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.
Thomas Jefferson
The Pursuit of Happiness
Topic: Joy & Happiness
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.
Thomas Jefferson, born on April 13, 1743, in Shadwell, Colony of Virginia, British America, emerged as a significant figure in the early political landscape of the United States. His intellectual pursuits and commitment to the Enlightenment ideals of democracy, republicanism, and individual rights significantly influenced the nation's trajectory towards independence from Great Britain. As the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson articulated a vision of individual freedoms and egalitarian principles that aimed to serve as the bedrock of the new republic. His political career further evolved as he took on the role of the second vice president of the United States under John Adams from 1797 to 1801, marking his deepening involvement in the nation's governance.
Ascending to the presidency in 1801, Jefferson's tenure as the third president of the United States till 1809 was marked by efforts to establish a government of restraint, aimed at safeguarding the liberties enshrined in the founding documents. During his presidency, the Louisiana Purchase was accomplished, significantly expanding the nation's territory. Yet, his presidency also saw controversies, including the Embargo Act which proved unpopular. Jefferson's philosophical underpinnings, deeply influenced by Epicurean, Stoic and Enlightenment thought, often informed his political decisions and the articulation of a vision for the republic that prioritized individual liberty and a restrained government.
Passing away on July 4, 1826, in Charlottesville, Virginia, U.S., at the age of 83, Jefferson's legacy continues to be a subject of discussion and analysis. His resting place at Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia, serves as a reminder of his contributions to the formative stages of the United States. Jefferson's life reflects a complex interplay of intellectual vigor, political acumen, and a deep-seated belief in certain philosophical principles. His writings, particularly the Declaration of Independence, continue to serve as fundamental texts underscoring the values upon which the nation was founded, and his presidency marked significant events in the early history of the United States. His influence endures, shaping discussions on individual rights, government's role, and the philosophical underpinnings of the nation's core beliefs.
The Declaration of Independence
Jefferson, Thomas. Declaration of Independence: A Transcription [National Archives, America's Founding Documents (https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript).
Thomas Jefferson
Theme: Happiness and Well-being
About This Thomas Jefferson Quotation [Commentary]
Thomas Jefferson’s declaration that “all men are created equal” and possess “unalienable Rights” to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” reflects a vision of human dignity and intrinsic worth. His statement in the Declaration of Independence was more than a political claim; it conveyed a belief that each individual holds rights that cannot be surrendered or taken away. These rights are seen as inherent to human existence, linking each person’s well-being to an underlying respect for equality and individual purpose.
By emphasizing “the pursuit of Happiness,” Jefferson introduces an enduring concept of well-being that goes beyond material wealth or fleeting pleasure. Drawing from Epicurean thought, Jefferson likely viewed happiness not as indulgence but as contentment achieved through reason, balance, and meaningful relationships. This pursuit invites individuals to seek fulfillment by cultivating virtues, living harmoniously with others, and embracing a peaceful simplicity. Here, the “pursuit of Happiness” becomes a journey toward well-being, balancing personal aspirations with a mindful approach to life.
By embedding happiness as an unalienable right, Jefferson raises well-being as an essential aim for a flourishing society. His vision calls for environments where individuals can live freely and seek lives of purpose and peace. This articulation of happiness values personal growth, ethical living, and connection, continuing to inspire the pursuit not only of liberty and equality but of a deeper happiness grounded in virtue and meaning.
I Am an Epicurian
In his letter to his former private secretary William Short, Jefferson bluntly states “I am an Epicurian.” What follows is an amazingly sophisticated analysis, and a lament, on how profoundly Epicurus was misunderstood by Greek and Roman philosophers and as a result, the contemporary world.
Epicurus and Epicurianism
Meanwhile, John Locke (1632–1704) adapted Gassendi’s modified version of Epicurus’s epistemology, which became highly influential on English empiricism. Many thinkers with sympathies towards the Enlightenment endorsed Epicureanism as an admirable moral philosophy. Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, declared in 1819, “I too am an Epicurean. I consider the genuine (not imputed) doctrines of Epicurus as containing everything rational in moral philosophy which Greece and Rome have left us.”
—Jones, Howard (2010), “Epicurus and Epicureanism”, in Grafton, Anthony; Most, Glenn W.; Settis, Salvatore (eds.), The Classical Tradition, Cambridge, Massachusetts and London, England: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, pp. 320–324 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epicurus#cite_note-FOOTNOTEJones2010323-144]
Thomas Jefferson’s Syllabus of the Doctrines of Epicurus [Excerpt]
Jefferson’s [partial] Syllabus of the Doctrines of Epicurus:
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