Source: Tenth Amendment Center
by Mike Maharrey
“For many, the meaning of life and liberty is pretty clear, but what did the founding generation mean by ‘pursuit of happiness?’ The writings of John Locke heavily influenced Thomas Jefferson as he drafted the Declaration. In his Second Treatise on Government, Locke listed ‘life, liberty and property’ as three fundamental natural rights. While Locke emphasized property as the third fundamental natural right, he also recognized that people naturally seek happiness, and governments should make every effort not to block the path to it.” (06/16/24)