Why was the United States Declaration of Independence changed from "Life, Liberty, and Property," to its current stance of "Life , Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?"
2007-02-22 13:11:50 · 7 answers · asked by brad s 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
Not all people owned property. They wanted it to be more philosophical, hence the abandonment of a tangible object such as property, and its replacement with the abstract idea of the pursuit of happiness. All of us can pursue happiness, since its broadly defined, but not all people can or will own property. Wording it that way made it more inclusive.
2007-02-22 13:22:17 · answer #1 · answered by Tucson Hooligan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it was never life liberty and property, the was john lockes idea, thomas jefferson borrowed life and liberty but to include property in the declaration would interfere with slavery, because in order to own land you must have been a white male at the time
2007-02-23 00:39:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Declaration of Independence severed all connections and allegiances to the British. Giving the Colonies ownership of the land.
2007-02-23 12:39:45 · answer #3 · answered by Cheryl AD48 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Plus, at one time, slaves were considered property.
2007-02-22 21:15:36 · answer #4 · answered by Rawbert 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because haveing property is a luxury, you don't need it
2007-02-22 21:14:30 · answer #5 · answered by Tony 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe cause not many people own property..
2007-02-22 21:15:07 · answer #6 · answered by ompie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cuz time to time it was not true, since laws changed
2007-02-22 21:14:25 · answer #7 · answered by cb450t 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋