Freeborn
"Freeborn" is a term associated with political agitator John Lilburne (1614–1657), a member of the Levellers, a 17th-century English political party. As a word, "freeborn" means to be born free, rather than to be born in slavery or bondage or vassalage. Lilburne argued for basic human rights that he termed "freeborn rights", which he defined as being rights that every human being is born with, as opposed to rights bestowed by government or by human law. John Lilburne's concept of freeborn rights, and the writings of Richard Overton another Leveller, may have influenced the concept of unalienable rights, (Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.) mentioned in the United States Declaration of Independence.
Read more about Freeborn.
Famous quotes containing the word freeborn:
“No trace of slavery ought to mix with the studies of the freeborn man.... No study, pursued under compulsion, remains rooted in the memory.”
—Plato (c. 427–347 B.C.)
“No trace of slavery ought to mix with the studies of the freeborn man.... No study, pursued under compulsion, remains rooted in the memory.”
—Plato (c. 427–347 B.C.)