How did Jefferson come up with such an incredible statement of independence? Where did he get the knowledge he needed to so boldly tell Great Britain:

He knew the works of John Locke, an English philosopher. That's where he got the concept of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." (Locke's word was the pursuit of "property," but that's a subject for another story on another day).

Jefferson went on to become the third President of the United States. Although he served from 1801-1809, he never much liked the world of politics. When he left the presidency, he retired to his beloved home, Monticello. Years later, when he was an old man, Jefferson meticulously planned his tomb. He chose the words by which he wanted to be remembered ("the following inscription and not a word more"):

Did Jefferson really believe the words he wrote in the Declaration of Independence? A statement he made in one of the last letters he ever wrote sums up his lifelong beliefs:

...the mass of mankind has not been born, with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately. By the grace of God, these are grounds of hope for others.

Ten days after he wrote those words, Tom Jefferson died. It was July 4th, 1826 - fifty years to the day after his Declaration of Independence had created the United States of America.

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