"The first panel [at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington D.C.], which attracted more attention than the others, contained the most famous and familiar words in American history: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."' Prologue, pg. 9

"Before editorial changes were made by the Continental Congress, Jefferson's early draft made it even clearer that his intention was to express a spiritual vision: 'We hold these truths to be sacred & undeniable; that all men are created equal & independent, that from that equal creation they derive rights inherent & inalienable, among which are the preservation of life, & liberty, & the pursuit of happiness."' Prologue, pg. 9

"Adams, like Lee, would be needed to lead the debate on the floor. That was considered the...