The Greatest Sentence Ever Written

Walter Isaacson examines the origins and significance of a foundational sentence from 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." Drafted by Thomas Jefferson and edited by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, this passage establishes the basis for the American Dream and represents shared national values. Isaacson analyzes the sentence word by word, exploring the concepts that made it radical for its time. He explains how it was constructed to promote unity and equality, and discusses its unfulfilled promise. The book also addresses how these words might be applied in contemporary politics to reinforce common ground during periods of division.