Thomas Jefferson Quotes

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The American government has come a long way over the centuries. Many philosophers have influenced the government, whether or not it was directly or indirectly. Thomas Jefferson was one of the many minds that influenced the government of America today. Jefferson was one of the thinkers of the last wave of enlightenment. Jefferson can be quoted on issues dealing with the pursuit of happiness and right to life and liberty. These quotes can be taken and compared to the theory and values of enlightenment and the American government today.
““The freedom and happiness of man...[are] the sole objects of all legitimate government.” --Thomas Jefferson to Thaddeus Kosciusko, 1810. ME 12:369.” The government is determined by the people; therefore the government should be concerned with the happiness of them. When the people of America aren’t happy, they have the power and right to remove those in government. This quote relates to the enlightenment theory because it concerns the freedom and happiness of man. The American government and the enlightenment theory come together in this quote because it is said that the people of America run the government and in order for them to do so they have to make decisions that come from reason. Reason plays the biggest role in the enlightenment theory. To me this quote means that in order to have a legitimate government the people have to be or feel free and be happy with what is taken place in the American government.
““I sincerely pray that all the members of the human family may, in the time prescribed by the Father of us all, find themselves securely established in the enjoyment of life, liberty, and happiness.” -- Thomas Jefferson: Reply to Ellicot Thomas, et al., 1807. ME 16:290” The American government can make the people unhappy and fell like their life and liberty has been taken from them. Life, liberty and happiness are three concepts that have to do with the enlightenment theor...