Funny, I happen to be reading another book with the same title: The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America.
It's good and I'm curious about what the founder had in mind when they talked about the inalienable right to pursue happiness, which it explores, but I'm interested in the European side and how classical eudaimonia transformed into the enlightenment version, so may check out your suggestion.
I'll add it to my reading list! Ritchie Robertson's book does briefly discuss the Declaration, situating it in the wider context of Enlightenment thought (particularly the Scottish Enlightenment, of course), but it doesn't go into great depth. I would also recommend Jon Meacham's biography of Thomas Jefferson, if you haven't read it yet. It's very helpful in understanding Jefferson's political and philosophical thought.
Thank you for the recommendations Brittany!
Funny, I happen to be reading another book with the same title: The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America.
It's good and I'm curious about what the founder had in mind when they talked about the inalienable right to pursue happiness, which it explores, but I'm interested in the European side and how classical eudaimonia transformed into the enlightenment version, so may check out your suggestion.
I'll add it to my reading list! Ritchie Robertson's book does briefly discuss the Declaration, situating it in the wider context of Enlightenment thought (particularly the Scottish Enlightenment, of course), but it doesn't go into great depth. I would also recommend Jon Meacham's biography of Thomas Jefferson, if you haven't read it yet. It's very helpful in understanding Jefferson's political and philosophical thought.