Jefferson and Rousseau Influences

Influences Thomas Jefferson considers himself a contributor to the Age of Enlighten handst. Through umteen of his writings he expands on the philosophies of the great European writers of that geological era - Rousseau, Locke, Hume, and Leibniz. In The annunciation of Independence, Jefferson directly adopts several themes found in the work of French writer Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Rousseaus The Origin of courtly Society, provides a foundation for most of Jeffersons ideas in The Declaration of Independence. In the opening of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson lays out several briny themes that reflect Rousseaus concepts. Jefferson borrows from Rousseaus thinking on equality and exemption when writing, We comport these truths to be self-evident, that all work force are created equal, that they are indue by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights… (Jefferson 80). Rousseau speaks of equality by disproving the philosophies of Thomas Hobbes and Hugo Grotius. These men support the concept that human race... [refers exactly to a small, select class of race - the ruling class] (Rousseau 60). Rousseau thinks that the philosophies of these men lack justification and that All men are natural free, and everywhere he is in chains (Rousseau 59).

All men are equal only until they give up their freedom and equality in exchange for comforts and protection in their lives. In other words, Rousseau says man is born free, but because of club man become less and less free. The government, and its laws bind the people down, but the people gain benefits from the government. Jefferson sees to Rousseau in justifying colonial claims to independence. Jefferson writes, Whenever both Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to diversify or abolish it… (Jefferson 80). This reflects Rousseaus thinking that, [the only foundation leftfield for legitimate authority in human societies is Agreement] (Rousseau 61). Rousseau argues that all ordering exists because... If you want to get a full essay, order it on our website: Orderessay

Order your essay at Orderessay and get a 100% original and high-quality custom paper within the required time frame.