The prominent document that includes the phrase "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" is the Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776. Authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration outlines the philosophical underpinnings of the American colonies' quest for independence from British rule. This phrase encapsulates the Enlightenment ideals of individual rights and freedoms, asserting that all people possess inalienable rights. The Declaration became a foundational text for American democracy, inspiring various movements for social justice and human rights both domestically and internationally throughout history.