Final answer:
In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson writes about three unalienable rights: Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness, which are inherent and cannot be taken away by the government.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson articulates three fundamental unalienable rights—Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. Drawing from the Enlightenment philosophy of John Locke, Jefferson conceptualized these rights as inherent and beyond the reach of governmental infringement. While Locke originally included "property" among these rights, Jefferson adapted the phrase to the "pursuit of happiness."
This transformation broadened the scope, reflecting a deeper emphasis on individual well-being. Jefferson's eloquent expression of these rights not only became foundational to the democratic principles of the United States but also resonated globally, influencing the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations. Jefferson's enduring words continue to inspire the pursuit of individual freedoms and human rights worldwide, symbolizing a shared commitment to the inherent dignity and autonomy of every individual.