Declaration of Independence Quotes
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When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
Context
This line was written by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776).
By the time the Declaration of Independence was signed, sealed, and delivered to England, things had been tense between King George and his subjects across the pond for a while. Folks from the thirteen colonies were pretty annoyed about that whole taxation without representation thing. Plus, they had already taken up arms against Great Britain and started the Revolutionary War. So, yeah, correspondence was awkward.
That's why it's kind of nice that the Declaration of Independence starts out with what's actually a super polite opening paragraph. Thomas Jefferson declared that the colonies had the God-given right to govern themselves how they saw fit. But, he also explained that it would also be polite for them to at least take some time to explain to King George why he was a tyrant whose oppressive shackles they hoped to throw off. Wow.
It's pretty impressive when you consider that the whole document could have just read, "Screw you guys! We're forming our own country! Peace out! T.J."
Where you've heard it
This is a pretty notable opening line, so you've probably heard it whenever people start talking about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 'Murica, heck yeah!
Additional Notable References:
- In the book When in the Course of Human Events, the author attempts to explain the rational behind the American Civil War. Hey, if breaking off from your government was good enough for the original 13 colonies…
- Elizabeth Cady Stanton began her Declaration of Sentiments from the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention with these exact words. Oh, snap, founding fathers.
Pretentious Factor
If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.
As far as quotes from the Declaration of Independence go, this one can come off as slightly snooty. Plus, it makes you sound like you're about to explain yourself, and everyone know no red-blooded American ever explains herself.