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.

Critic reviews

"Historian and biographer Walter Isaacson takes on the additional role of narrator for this detailed analysis of one key sentence in the Declaration of Independence. From a contemporary perspective, the assertion that all humans are created equal rings hollow since we know all 13 thirteen colonies sanctioned slavery. Most interesting here is Isaacson’s close examination of the revisions made in the document, in particular those offered by key actors like Benjamin Franklin. Often no more than a word or two, these demonstrate the indelible power of precision in language. Isaacson’s assured phrasing and tone bring power and immediacy to his narration. At just under 90 minutes, this is a highly enlightening, deeply satisfying listening experience."

Excellent!

The Greatest Sentence Ever Written

By Walter Isaacson

Very brief, only an hour and a half on Audible, this was terrific. Isaacson breaks down THE sentence, “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.”
He gives you the history… what and who inspired the founders to write it, and of course, the remainder of the document.
Well worth an hour and a half.

Proud!!!

As a child I learned about the American Revolution. I never, however felt so proud of our early revolutionary leaders and their courage to fight for the country I now call my home!

Deep dive into the declaration

Who would have guessed you could write a book (albeit a short one) about a single sentence? This is a very different Isaacson book, and a seriously fascinating one.

Authoritative writer, amateur reader

Walter Isaacson's essay on the most famous sentence fragment of the Declaration of Independence is a useful introduction or review. It is not an in-depth examination. Isaacson's scholarship and authority speak for themselves. The text is worth the time of the listener/reader. The appendices are disproportionately extensive in comparison to the brevity of the main text, but certainly worthwhile on their own merit and as context for the essay.
Unfortunately, a professional voice-actor/reader was not hired to read the main text. As a result, a listener may have trouble hearing the author's narration over the white noise of daily life, e.g. a car on a highway. The reader brought in more most of the appendices is much more up to the task.

Concise review of the reasons and thoughts behind the Declaration of Independence, must read relative to current events

Nothing to dislike, well read and good narrative with strong historical references, great for adolescents