Jefferson's Rewriting of Locke's Natural Rights: A Shift Toward Happiness

Thomas Jefferson made significant changes to John Locke's phraseology in the Declaration of Independence, marking a broader conceptual shift in the understanding of natural rights. Jefferson aimed to expand the concept of rights beyond mere property ownership, advocating for a more inclusive and morally-driven framework.

Broader Concept of Rights

Jefferson's phrase "the pursuit of happiness" was a deliberate choice that represented a broader and more inclusive concept of rights. While Locke's original phrase focused on property, Jefferson sought to expand the definition to encompass a wider range of liberties and freedoms that were essential for human dignity and well-being.

Appeal to a Wider Audience

The use of "pursuit of happiness" also served to appeal to a wider audience, particularly those who did not own property. By invoking a more philosophical and moral concept, Jefferson could resonate with a broader section of the population who had little material wealth but desired personal freedom and moral fulfillment.

Philosophical Influences

Jefferson was influenced by Enlightenment thinkers who emphasized human happiness and welfare as essential goals of government. Figures such as John Locke and Thomas Hobbes shaped his perspective on natural rights, but Jefferson interpreted these principles in a way that aligned with the emerging American ideals of individualism and personal liberty.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

Jefferson believed that the pursuit of happiness was a fundamental aspect of human dignity and moral development. This idea suggested that individuals should have the freedom to determine their own paths to happiness, a concept that aligns with the emerging American ideals of individualism and personal liberty. This shift reflected a broader moral and ethical vision that went beyond mere property ownership.

Historical Context

The pursuit of happiness was not a uniquely American concept. It had its roots in earlier political philosophies such as the 1641 Grand Remonstrance, which included the right to peace, safety, liberty, and prosperity. John Locke also defined the civil interest as including the right to life, liberty, and the possession of outward things. However, Locke's original formulation was seen as too restrictive, as it excluded many who did not have property, wealth, or outward possessions.

The Labor Theory of Wealth

John Locke's philosophy argued for a labor theory of wealth, where property, including but not restricted to real estate, was seen as the result of an individual's labor. This was an expansion and explanation of Thomas Hobbes' ideas, who argued that an individual was entitled to accumulate property due to the labor they contributed to its production.

For Locke, the right to property was sacred and bestowed by nature's God, with the government having no right to interfere. This argument, combining sacred rights and property rights, was used by American radicals to challenge the claims of the Crown throughout the revolutionary crisis.

Novel Civil Values

Americans proposed an alternative menu to the traditional values of the Church, King, and Empire, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Benjamin Franklin, a leading figure in the American Enlightenment, echoed this sentiment in his assertion that these three rights were interdependent. No one of these could be enjoyed in isolation, as the desire for life, liberty, and the enlargement of one's wealth were closely linked and inherently intertwined.

Conclusion

In summary, Jefferson's alteration of Locke's phraseology reflected a desire to articulate a vision of rights that emphasized individual fulfillment and a more democratic ethos, rooted in Enlightenment principles. This shift not only broadened the scope of natural rights but also provided a philosophical foundation for the emerging American ideals of individualism and personal liberty.