A Haven For "Happiness"

On this date 248 years ago, 56 delegates to the Second Continental Congress adopted “The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America”—later more commonly known as The Declaration of Independence. While most members wanted the declaration written by John Adams, Adams insisted that 33-year-old Thomas Jefferson pen the document.

Jefferson closeted himself in his apartment on Philadelphia’s Market Street and produced one of the most profound political statements in world history—essentially a “mission statement” for America. While he was influenced by the Enlightenment philosophers of Europe (most notably Britain’s John Locke), he made certain that the declaration had a uniquely American flair. Thus, instead of Locke’s commitment to “life, liberty and property”, Jefferson replaced the latter with “the pursuit of happiness”. Think of it, a political treatise dedicated—in part—to allowing citizens to be happy.

President Joe Biden has often correctly stated that America is the only country on earth that is based on an idea. Not on class, not on race, not on religion, not on geography—but an idea. That idea is that all citizens are equal and should be afforded the opportunity to live a happy life. This is what we should celebrate today.