THE DECLARATION OF
INDEPENDENCE
BY THOMAS JEFFERSON
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) is another figure of
such high importance in American history and culture
that he resists simple categorization. The nation’s
third president, he was also a scientist, inventor,
architect, lawyer, and culinary innovator. While
technically the work of the Committee of Five (also
including Franklin, Adams, Sherman, and Livingston),
the Declaration of Independence is widely considered
to be Jefferson’s performance. Influenced primarily by
Enlightenment Philosophy (notably John Locke),
Jefferson crystallized the democratic spirit of
revolution then sweeping the colonies.