The Greatest Sentence Ever Written

De: Walter Isaacson

Narrado por: 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.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"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."

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

2026 is the 250th anniversary of the Constitution of the United States of America.

It’s ironic to see the parallels that were happening 250 years ago, just like today. Many people contributed to this country’s freedom, and it’s important to remember and understand the dedication and sacrifice of those who fought for the alienable rights of freedom. By remembering the context and what was happening then, we can see how this country has evolved.

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.

This may be the greatest book ever written

"If we don't hang together, we will surely hang separately" - this quote from Franklin gives us both the diagnoses of our shared problems and the solution to them.

Every every American should read this book once a year

We learned about this stuff in school when we were children and over the years you forget this helps us to not forget. It’s amazing how applicable it is today.