Writings

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... Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed... laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form... should not be changed for light and transient causes... That these United Colonies are, and of Right, ought to be Free and Independent States... And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.