The famous speech that declared the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson, this document outlined the American colonies' reasons for seeking independence from British rule. It emphasized universal human rights and the belief that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. The Declaration became a foundational text for democracy and inspired various civil rights movements worldwide, embodying ideals of freedom and equality that resonate deeply in American political culture.