The Greatest Sentence Ever Written

By: Walter Isaacson

Narrated by: Walter Isaacson, Holter Graham

America’s bestselling biographer reveals the origins of the most revolutionary sentence in the Declaration of Independence, the one that defines who we are as Americans—and explains how it should shape our politics today.

“Isaacson uses a jeweler’s loupe to scan what gives his snappy little book its engaging title….Isaacson skillfully teases fresh pith and resonance out of those familiar words.” —The Wall Street Journal

“A short, smart analysis of perhaps the most famous passage in American history reveals its potency and unfulfilled promise.” —Kirkus Reviews

To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Walter Isaacson takes readers on a fascinating deep dive into the creation of one of history’s most powerful sentences: “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.”

Drafted by Thomas Jefferson and edited by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, this line lays the foundation for the American Dream and defines the common ground we share as a nation.

Isaacson unpacks its genius, word by word, illuminating the then-radical concepts behind it. Readers will gain a fresh appreciation for how it was drafted to inspire unity, equality, and the enduring promise of America. With clarity and insight, he reveals not just the power of these words but describes how, in these polarized times, we can use them to restore an appreciation for our common values.

Awesome

What a great reminder and review of the basic principles founding our country. Reading by the author adds authenticity and meaning.

Tiny but mighty!

I enjoyed the breakdown given here. Sometimes it’s just good to get back to basics. Isaacson brings us back to the simple truths of our founding and does it in a casual and easy-to-read fashion. His plea for compromise based on the Founder's intent, is one of the nation could use to hear, as division seems to be the order of the day these days.

it should be mandatory reading to graduate from high school!!

I love this book for its simplicity and content..he author should be provided assistance on spreading thecword..

From might makes right to right makes right

This fabulous book by Walter Isaacson chronicles our emergence from the tyranny of “might makes right“to the people still“right makes might”. It details the semantic struggles of the Declaration of independence that derived from the actual fight for independence. And finally, Isaacson highlights in stark contrast of what is to become of us today as we slide back from right makes might to might makes right.

Well researched.

Typical Isaacson - excellent. Well researched and very well written. And I love his conclusions and suggestions for dealing with our polarization