What is a famous quote from the Declaration of Independence?
Asked by: Shea Ratke | Last update: June 9, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (7 votes)
The most famous quote from the Declaration of Independence is: "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". This iconic line from the preamble outlines core American ideals of equality and natural rights, significantly influencing the nation's identity, notes this National Archives article.
What is the most famous quote ever said?
There's no single "most famous" quote, but top contenders often include Shakespeare's "To be, or not to be: that is the question," Neil Armstrong's "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," and Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a dream," reflecting timeless themes of existence, human achievement, and hope, alongside popular wisdom like "The unexamined life is not worth living" (Socrates) or Mandela's "Education is the most powerful weapon...".
What is Thomas Jefferson's famous quote?
Thomas Jefferson is known for quotes on liberty, education, and government, including "I cannot live without books," "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants," and advocating for an informed citizenry, though many popular quotes are misattributed. Key authentic quotes emphasize individual rights, limited government, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Why is the quote from the Declaration of Independence important?
Resolution of Independence
The most important and dramatic statement comes near the end: “That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States.” It declares a complete break with Britain and its King and claims the powers of an independent country.
What famous phrase did Thomas Jefferson write in the Declaration of Independence?
Jefferson's rough draft of the Declaration of Independence used the expression, "... life, & liberty, & the pursuit of happiness." In the final version, Jefferson altered the wording slightly to read "... Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
National Treasure (2004) The Declaration of Independence ( HD )
What is the most famous line of the Declaration of Independence?
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.
What is the last line of the Declaration of Independence?
We ask you also to read the last line in the famous declaration with the understanding that the word “we” includes all Americans: “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.”
What does the Declaration of Independence say in simple words?
The Declaration explains why the Thirteen Colonies regarded themselves as independent sovereign states no longer subject to British colonial rule, and has become one of the most circulated, reprinted, and influential documents in history.
What did Thomas Jefferson say about slavery in the Declaration of Independence?
He has waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating it's most sacred rights of life & liberty in the persons of a distant people who never offended him, captivating & carrying them into slavery in another hemisphere, or to incur miserable death in their transportation thither.
What are the three most important things in the Declaration of Independence?
The Declaration of Independence states three basic ideas: (1) God made all men equal and gave them the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; (2) the main business of government is to protect these rights; (3) if a government tries to withhold these rights, the people are free to revolt and to set up a ...
What is the best quote for freedom?
The best quotes about freedom emphasize it's not just absence of chains but responsibility, authenticity, and courage, highlighting that true freedom means respecting others' rights, embracing individuality, and accepting the duty that comes with choice, as seen in statements by Nelson Mandela, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and George Orwell.
What did Jefferson say before he died?
Thomas Jefferson's last recorded words were, "No, doctor, nothing more," refusing medicine, but his more famous, poignant final utterances before dying on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1826) were inquiries about the date, such as "Is it the Fourth?" or "This is the Fourth of July," showing his desire to live to see that day.
What is the original copy of the Declaration of Independence?
Thirteen broadside editions were printed in July and August of 1776 and are considered original printings of the Declaration. Known as the Rogers Broadside, this original copy of the Declaration of Independence was printed in Salem, Massachusetts, between July 14 and 16, 1776.
What is the wisest quote ever?
There's no single "wisest quote ever," as wisdom is subjective, but Socrates' "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing" (from Plato) is a perennial favorite for highlighting intellectual humility, while Confucius offered, "By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest". Other profound quotes emphasize action, kindness, and perspective, like Maya Angelou's "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude" or Oprah Winfrey's "Turn your wounds into wisdom".
What is the greatest line of all time?
A jury consisting of 1,500 film artists, critics, and historians selected "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn", spoken by Clark Gable as Rhett Butler in the 1939 American Civil War epic Gone with the Wind, as the most memorable American movie quotation of all time.
What was Thomas Jefferson's most famous quote?
Thomas Jefferson's most famous quote comes from the Declaration of Independence (1776): "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." Other well-known quotes include his emphasis on an informed citizenry and a free press as vital for liberty, and his thoughts on the necessity of resistance to tyranny.
What paragraph was deleted from the Declaration of Independence?
Jefferson's passage on slavery was the most important section removed from the final document.
What is a famous quote about slavery?
"The moment the slave resolves that he will no longer be a slave, his fetters fall. Freedom and slavery are mental states." "If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong." "Where Slavery is there Liberty cannot be; and where Liberty is there Slavery cannot be."
What is the most used word in the Declaration of Independence?
The most common word in the Declaration of Independence – after “and,” “the” and “for,” is “he.” And we all know who “he” is, right? You might think, given the prevalence of the word “he” that the Founders intended to declare independence from King George III.
Did the founding fathers put God in the constitution?
No, the Founding Fathers did not put God in the U.S. Constitution; the document is notably silent on God and religion, a deliberate choice reflecting a consensus on separating church and state, though the Declaration of Independence did mention a Creator and the Articles of Confederation used "Great Governor of the World," while the Constitution includes a "Year of our Lord" in its date and bars religious tests for office in Article VI and the First Amendment protects religious freedom.
What is the final word in the Declaration of Independence?
The last word in the Declaration of Independence is "Honor," concluding the famous pledge: "we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor". This final word emphasizes the ultimate commitment of the signers to the new nation.
What are the first 7 words of the Declaration of Independence?
The first seven words of the U.S. Declaration of Independence are, "When in the course of human events, it becomes". They begin the document's preamble, which explains why the colonies are declaring independence from Great Britain.
What was cut out of the Declaration of Independence?
The deleted words — beginning with “He has waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating its most sacred rights of life and liberty in the persons of a distant people who never offended him …” — were a condemnation of George III, “the Christian King of Great Britain,” and his participation in and perpetuation ...