Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Paine were important contributors to the enlightenment movement in their own right. ... Thomas Paine's enlightened ideas in the pamphlet, Common Sense, have been called the most important in American history. ... More than a series of ideas, the enlightenment became an attitude, altering the former way of life. ... In analyzing the writing of the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson, it can be noted that his work reflects the political thought of the time. Perhaps the greatest influence on Jefferson came from Enlightenment thinkers. ...

• Word Count: 761
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

One of the opponents of liberal thinking, the philosopher Thomas Hobbes, contributed significantly to liberal theory, although he favored strong and even unrestrained government. ... An influential early liberal was the English philosopher John Locke. ... According to the thought of Locke and his many followers, the state exists not to promote people's spiritual salvation, but to serve its citizens and to guarantee their life, liberty, and property under a constitution. ... Thomas Jefferson also echoed Locke in the Declaration of Independence and in later pronouncements defending revolut...

• Word Count: 788
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Graduate

From the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson stated that everyone is free to the pursuit of happiness. ... Earlier this week, a law was passed denying the right for stripers to give lap dances, and they must be at least 6 feet away from any spectators. ... Many people believe that euthanasia is a wrongful process, since it's putting a life to death, but there are those that support it since it is putting the life to death without having the person suffer a painful death. ...

• Word Count: 757
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School