In the declaration, Thomas Jefferson meant the term "equal" to refer to the inherent natural rights and fundamental freedoms that all human beings possess, regardless of their social status, race, or background. He believed that all men were born with equal rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
In the Declaration of Independence, when Thomas Jefferson declared that all men are created equal, he meant that all individuals possess certain inherent and inalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Jefferson was asserting that these rights should be equally respected and protected for every person, regardless of factors such as social status, wealth, or ancestry. This concept of equality was primarily centered on the idea of political and legal equality before the law, ensuring that all individuals have an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from society.
