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Joel K. Douglas's avatar

Great questions Russell C. Smith. The origin of 'Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness' goes back to British philosopher John Locke's "Two Treatises of Government" (1689). Locke's theory was a collective of individuals would organize a government ensuring our natural rights of life, liberty, and property.

In that light the pursuit of happiness could mean the right to make our own healthcare decisions or other decisions that impact ourselves. Here's the entire piece: https://joelkdouglas.substack.com/p/john-locke-ownership-of-self

Again, you pose some great questions!

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David Perlmutter's avatar

The Founding Fathers were expecting too much of their citizens. They'd be disappointed now.

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