“Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes.”
Thomas Jefferson
Declaration of Independence (Primary source)
The Declaration of Independence is America’s moment of resolve: a clear argument that people have rights, governments exist to protect them, and tyranny forfeits its authority. Part philosophy, part indictment, part breakup letter, it announces a radical idea—that legitimacy flows from the people, not power, and reshapes the modern world.
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“For here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to combat it.”
— Thomas Jefferson Primary source“Pride costs us more than hunger, thirst and cold.”
— Thomas Jefferson Primary source“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
— Thomas Jefferson Primary source“Never buy a what you do not want, because it is cheap; it will be dear to you.”
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“A light purse is a heavy curse.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“For many events, roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.”
— Vilfredo Pareto Disputed“All would live long, but none would be old.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“Are you a communist?”
“No, I am an anti-fascist.”
“For a long time?”
“Since I have understood fascism.”