Asked by 01236

Which philosopher of the Enlightenment most influenced Thomas Jefferson when drafting the Declaration of Independence?

Hobbes
Locke
Montesquieu
Voltaire

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
Locke.

Thomas Jefferson drew most heavily on John Locke’s ideas—natural rights, the social contract, government by consent—and adapted Locke’s “life, liberty, and property” into “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”