The idea that man have natural rights that should not be denied by a King or other ruling authority was extremely influential in America. The "Declaration of Independence" stated it in plain English: "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights and that among these rights are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Never before had a nation been founded on the principle of natural rights.