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Full Idea
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, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
Clarification
'Inalienable' means you can't give them away
Gist of Idea
Men are created equal, and with certain inalienable rights
Source
Thomas Jefferson (U.S. Declaration of Independence [1775]), quoted by Johanna Oksala - Political Philosophy: all that matters Ch.4
Book Ref
Oksala,Johanna: 'Political Philosophy' [Hodder and Stoughton 2013], p.50
A Reaction
In the context, saying equality and rights are 'natural' is just a way of saying we will fight to the death to defend them. The big modern problem for the U.S. is that nominal equality before the law doesn't ensure equality in society.
| 19865 | There is no subjection in nature, and all creatures of the same species are equal [Locke] |
| 21099 | People must have agreed to authority, because they are naturally equal, prior to education [Hume] |
| 19772 | In a state of nature people are much more equal; it is society which increases inequalities [Rousseau] |
| 19789 | It is against nature for children to rule old men, fools to rule the wise, and the rich to hog resources [Rousseau] |
| 20565 | Men are created equal, and with certain inalienable rights [Jefferson] |