Who said “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are…”?

Verified

Thomas Jefferson. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceDeclaration of Independence (1776)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

Source checked · Something wrong? Report a correction

“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,”
VerifiedDeclaration of Independence (1776) · evidenceEquality
Report

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Declaration of Independence (1776).

APA

Jefferson, T. (n.d.). We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/14970-we-hold-these-truths-to-be-self-evident/

MLA

Jefferson, Thomas. “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/14970-we-hold-these-truths-to-be-self-evident/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Jefferson, Thomas. “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/14970-we-hold-these-truths-to-be-self-evident/.