Thomas Jefferson (1743 - 1826)
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j BACKGROUND
Born to a wealthy Virginian family
j CAREER
Political leader, diplomat, inventor, philosopher, educator, farmer, inventor, architect, violinist
Third American President
Primary author of The Declaration of Independence
j WORKS
The Declaration of Independence (1776)
A Summary View of the Right of British America (1774)
j QUOTE
"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness . . ."
j SIGNIFICANCE
His belief in a ruling class based upon moral character and ability--not upon wealth or family name--and his deep faith in the small farmer, the "common man, " as the basis of democratic life.
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