Which of the following best analyzes the meaning of “pursuit of happiness” in the Declaration of Independence?(1 point)

Responses

Writer Thomas Jefferson was using the ancient Greek idea of eudaimonia, which emphasizes happiness as a moral idea or a civic virtue.
Writer Thomas Jefferson was using the ancient Greek idea of eudaimonia , which emphasizes happiness as a moral idea or a civic virtue.

The “pursuit of happiness” was included to show that governments have to give people things that will make them become happy.
The “pursuit of happiness” was included to show that governments have to give people things that will make them become happy.

The delegates wanted to make sure that all colonists could pursue their dreams and become happy in the new country being made.
The delegates wanted to make sure that all colonists could pursue their dreams and become happy in the new country being made.

The phrase was included to show that if people are equal, they will be able to pursue happiness because they have the right to do so.

1 answer

The best analysis of the meaning of "pursuit of happiness" in the Declaration of Independence is:

The phrase was included to show that if people are equal, they will be able to pursue happiness because they have the right to do so.

This interpretation emphasizes the fundamental principle of equality and the inherent rights of individuals to seek their own happiness, which aligns with the broader themes of liberty and personal freedom that are central to the Declaration.