Thomas Jefferson famously articulated the concept of unalienable rights in the Declaration of Independence, particularly life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These ideas drew from Enlightenment philosophy, emphasizing individual rights and the notion that governments are instituted to protect these rights. Jefferson asserted that if a government fails to uphold these principles or becomes tyrannical, the people have the right to alter or abolish it. This declaration became a foundational text for democratic ideals, influencing future human rights movements and inspiring countless struggles for freedom worldwide, shaping the political landscape of not only the United States but also many nations thereafter.