The Founding Fathers' Declaration of Independence and the Precise Language of Rights

The Declaration of Independence, one of the most iconic documents in American history, is often cited for its powerful statement about human rights. However, many misunderstandings exist about its exact wording and the intentions behind it. Let's delve into the precise language of the Declaration and the historical context that shaped it.

Context and Significance of the Declaration

The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, declared the 13 American colonies ready to establish themselves as a sovereign nation. The document is not just a manifesto of separation; it is also a profound statement on the principles of liberty and human rights. Central to this statement is the phrase 'We hold these truths to be self-evident...'

Key Phrases in the Declaration

The document begins with:

Our Supreme Court Justice and former U.S. Senator Frank Easterbrook observed, 'In no context are lofty pronouncements on human rights more tepid than the beginning of the Declaration of Independence.' The actual text reads:

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.

Notably, the phrase 'We hold these truths to be self-evident' is strikingly precise. Here's the full paragraph for context:

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.--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 to 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.

Historical Context and Editing

The phrase 'sacred and undeniable' was originally used in the document by Thomas Jefferson but was later changed to 'self-evident' by Benjamin Franklin. This change is significant as it reflects the different approaches to philosophical and theological reasoning.

Jefferson had written that these truths were 'sacred and undeniable.' Franklin's own hand strikes that out and inserts 'self-evident' instead.

Benjamin Franklin, a highly accomplished editor and publisher, believed that three words could often be replaced with one. He recognized the importance of brevity and clarity. Moreover, he understood that 'sacred' and 'undeniable' were terms with strong religious connotations, which might detract from the document's broader appeal and reasonableness.

The Distinction Between Faith and Reason

The change from 'sacred and undeniable' to 'self-evident' is a prime example of the Founding Fathers' efforts to balance faith and reason in the document. 'Self-evident' reflects an idea that is evident without the need for proof, much like the axioms in Euclid's geometry. Euclid distinguished between propositions that could be proven and those which were self-evidently true, such as 'things that are equal to the same thing are equal to each other'.

These self-evident truths are not taken on faith but are recognized through reason and practice. In the same way, the Founding Fathers aimed to establish a foundation for the new nation on principles that were universally accepted through common sense and the reasoning of individuals.

Conclusion

The Declaration of Independence is more than just a statement of colonial independence; it is a defense of human rights based on common sense and rationality. The precise wording of 'self-evident' reflects the Founding Fathers' commitment to a philosophy that was both inclusive and beyond mere faith. This key phrase has continued to influence generational debates about the nature of rights and the enduring spirit of liberty.

Keywords: Declaration of Independence, Inalienable Rights, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin