Whereas Locke spoke of life, liberty and estate, the Declaration of Independence speaks in terms of life, liberty, and the <u>pursuit of happiness</u><u>.</u>
In John Locke's way of framing his theory, "life, liberty, and estates" all constitute an individual's personal property. We normally think of "property" just in terms of one's "estate" -- that is land, house, belongings. From Locke's perspective, however, our property is <u>everything</u> that belongs to us as persons, which begins with our personhood itself. Having life and personal liberty -- those are the most important things we possess. Then comes "estate" or our land, house, belongings.
Thomas Jefferson's words in the Declaration of Independence have a similar theme, though worded differently. Pursuing happiness--a meaningful and fulfilling life--cannot happen unless life and liberty are respected and protected first.