Summary
Thomas Jefferson once wrote that in drafting the Declaration of Independence, he meant simply to furnish an “expression of the American mind.” Yet Jefferson did more than just articulate the moment. This nation was founded not on blood or ethnicity, but on an idea: that of natural human equality. The writings and deeds of Jefferson gave life to that idea and shaped the American mind. His legacy is our dedication to individual rights, religious liberty, and the importance of education.
http://www.heritage.org/american-founders/report/thomas-jefferson-americas-philosopher-statesman?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=thf-tw
From the beginning, Americans have looked with special favor on Thomas Jefferson, who penned the immortal words of our Declaration of Independence. With great eloquence, he dedicated our nation to the proposition that all men are created equal, endowed with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
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Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good ...