Jefferson and Rousseau Influences

doubting Thomas Jefferson considers himself a contributor to the Age of Enlighten workforcet. Through many of his writings he expands on the philosophies of the great European generators of that era Rousseau, Locke, Hume, and Leibniz. In The resolving of emancipation, Jefferson directly adopts several themes found in the work of French writer Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Rousseaus The Origin of Civil 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 main themes that reflect Rousseaus concepts. Jefferson borrows from Rousseaus thinking on have-to doe withity and freedom when writing, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with received 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 hardly to a small, select class of people the ruling class (Rousseau 60). Rousseau thinks that the philosophies of these men lack justification and that All men are born free, and everywhere he is in chains (Rousseau 59). All men are equal only until they give up their freedom and equality in ex swing for comforts and protection in their lives. In other words, Rousseau says man is born free, but because of society man become slight 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 any Form of presidency becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it (Jefferson 80). This reflects Rousseaus thinking that, the only foundation remaining for legitimate authority in human societies is Agreement (Rousseau 61). Rousseau argues that all society exists because people have willingly grant rank and privilege to their swayer. When this agreement is broken, the ruling power is invalid.In The Declaration of Independence, Jefferson cites twenty-six examples of actions taken by the British monarchy that acts against the authority the American Colonies granted them. These form the basis of the declaration. Jefferson restates his thinking again saying, A Prince, whose character is gum olibanum marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be ruler of a free People. (Jefferson 83). Jefferson indirectly borrows from Rousseaus argument against dexterity into Right.Rousseau says that this thinking reverses the process of cause and effect. So in brief as we disobey without impunity, disobedience becomes legitimate. And, since the Mightiest is always right, it merely remains for us to become possessed of Might (Rousseau 62). In this passage Rousseau contends that might, or strength, is not a moral sanction. Rousseau contends that Righ t to govern can change when it is compromised. Jefferson uses this same line of thinking to rationalize the separation of the colonies from the British backsheesh. But when a long bring of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new Guards for their future security (Jefferson 80,81). Jefferson contends that the chain of abuses brought by the British crown has compromised their moral authority and therefore, their Right to rule over the colonies. In Jeffersons mind, the physical Might of the British is arguable in considering the colonies right to establish a new government.Interestingly, there is another opportunity for Jefferson to incorporate Rousseaus philosophies into the declaration. Rousseau dialog about slavery as an institution in The Origin of Civil Society. The original draft of the Declaration refers to the Br itish crowns introduction of slavery in the United States as one of the immoral principles justifying independence from the monarchy. In other words, one of the fundamental paradoxes of Jeffersons personal and political life has been his attitude toward slavery. (Jacobus77).Jeffersons position and actions on slavery have become the most controversial aspects of his legacy. It is not surprising that Rousseaus philosophies lead to the beginnings of both the American and French revolution. Jefferson and the other members of the Continental Congress have become capable of molding these thoughts into a enrolment that will act as a philosophical outline for the founding of the United States. The Declaration of Independence allows the founding fathers an opportunity to build on some of the Puritan ethics of the founding new