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.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
from The Unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America
July 4, 1776
Drafted by Thomas Jefferson from June 11th - June 26th, at the age of 33
Read The Declaration of Independence in its Entirety.
Source: National Archives, Charters of Freedom