“Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”
In 1776, the colonist of America fought and gained their freedom from the monarchical British Parliament. As a result, the leaders of the revolution created The Declaration of Independence which would protect the rights of the people and increase quality of life. This was originated by the founding fathers such as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin which of who were heavily influenced by western philosophy. The 10 amendments were created to protect the people of their individual rights as they strongly believed that all men are created equal, which are still important political values over 200 years later. Early western philosophy writings influenced these leaders on how to orchestrate …show more content…
Education was a key ingredient in how the new America would prosper. America wanted to have their own patriotism identity when involving education to their youth. Benjamin Rush, a writer from Pennsylvania and founding father who signed the Declaration of Independence says it best in "Thoughts upon the Mode of Education Proper in a Republic," the foundation of useful education in a republic is to be religion. Without, there can be no virtue, and with this can be no liberty which is the object within all republican governments" (Rush, p. 131).Rush is referring to the importance of Christianity which is the necessary in order to be a successful republic. Rush quotes, "A Christian cannot fail at being useful to the republic, for his religion has taught that no man shall live to himself" (Rush).In agreement with Rush, America needed the teachings of Jesus Christ to assure that everyone who was a follower was virtuous and contributing to the republic. Rush goes on to say that “there is no book such as the bible that contains as much knowledge for governing states or direction of affairs” (Rush, p. 132) However, Rush does see importance in including books of history, poetry, and stories to the youth in school. Patriotism and love for his country …show more content…
There had to be a government in order that provides individual freedom of the people while maintaining protection and liberty. Thomas Hobbs (1588-1679) suggests that there must be a government, even if it’s bad as it’s better than no government at all. He believes that man is born into a natural “state of war,” which is dangerous as men are sovereign to only authority upon themselves (Hobbes). Without government to settle disputes man would eventually turn against each other. King or no King, Hobbs suggests that a Sovereign leader must be in place to maintain order in the state. John Locke (1632-1704), also known as the “massive national cliché,” had a major impact on the direction of the new constitution. Locke believed in a government was selected by the people and was designed for the common good of the people. Locke quotes “the purpose of government was to provide protection of life, liberty, and property that individuals could enjoy” This statement would only be translated by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal, endowed by Creator with unalienable rights, which are the Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” (Locke). Unlike Thomas Hobbes, Locke continues to say that men by nature are free, equal, and independent and the only way of disposing his natural security is by agreeing to join other men in unity
In 1776, the colonist of America fought and gained their freedom from the monarchical British Parliament. As a result, the leaders of the revolution created The Declaration of Independence which would protect the rights of the people and increase quality of life. This was originated by the founding fathers such as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin which of who were heavily influenced by western philosophy. The 10 amendments were created to protect the people of their individual rights as they strongly believed that all men are created equal, which are still important political values over 200 years later. Early western philosophy writings influenced these leaders on how to orchestrate …show more content…
Education was a key ingredient in how the new America would prosper. America wanted to have their own patriotism identity when involving education to their youth. Benjamin Rush, a writer from Pennsylvania and founding father who signed the Declaration of Independence says it best in "Thoughts upon the Mode of Education Proper in a Republic," the foundation of useful education in a republic is to be religion. Without, there can be no virtue, and with this can be no liberty which is the object within all republican governments" (Rush, p. 131).Rush is referring to the importance of Christianity which is the necessary in order to be a successful republic. Rush quotes, "A Christian cannot fail at being useful to the republic, for his religion has taught that no man shall live to himself" (Rush).In agreement with Rush, America needed the teachings of Jesus Christ to assure that everyone who was a follower was virtuous and contributing to the republic. Rush goes on to say that “there is no book such as the bible that contains as much knowledge for governing states or direction of affairs” (Rush, p. 132) However, Rush does see importance in including books of history, poetry, and stories to the youth in school. Patriotism and love for his country …show more content…
There had to be a government in order that provides individual freedom of the people while maintaining protection and liberty. Thomas Hobbs (1588-1679) suggests that there must be a government, even if it’s bad as it’s better than no government at all. He believes that man is born into a natural “state of war,” which is dangerous as men are sovereign to only authority upon themselves (Hobbes). Without government to settle disputes man would eventually turn against each other. King or no King, Hobbs suggests that a Sovereign leader must be in place to maintain order in the state. John Locke (1632-1704), also known as the “massive national cliché,” had a major impact on the direction of the new constitution. Locke believed in a government was selected by the people and was designed for the common good of the people. Locke quotes “the purpose of government was to provide protection of life, liberty, and property that individuals could enjoy” This statement would only be translated by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal, endowed by Creator with unalienable rights, which are the Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” (Locke). Unlike Thomas Hobbes, Locke continues to say that men by nature are free, equal, and independent and the only way of disposing his natural security is by agreeing to join other men in unity