Philip Mazzei and the Declaration of Independence
Philip Mazzei
b. December 25, 1730 – d. March 19, 1816
Tutti gli uomini sono per natura egualmente liberi e indipendenti. Quest’eguaglianza e necessaria per costituire un governo libero. Bisogna che ognuno sia uguale all’altro nel diritto naturale.
-Philip Mazzei – Virginia Gazette, 1774
All men are by nature equally free and independent. Such equality is necessary in order to create a free government. All men must be equal to each other in natural law.
-translation by Thomas Jefferson
These are the words of Philip (Filipo) Mazzei, Italian emigre, surgeon, businessman, friend and neighbor of Thomas Jefferson. It is so easy for us to think that everyone who lived in the United States prior to the Revolutionary War hailed from England. That is, however not the case. Settlers came from all over the European continent, and although the lion’s share of them came from England, not all of those from England were born there; quite a number were Italian emigres who lived and worked for a time in England prior to coming to the New World.
The 103rd Congress of the United States with Joint Resolution 175 of August 5, 1994, recognized that “the phrase in the Declaration of Independence All men are created equal was suggested by the Italian patriot and immigrant Philip Mazzei.”
And from “A Nation of Immigrants” by John F. Kennedy (1958) comes:
The great doctrine ‘All men are created equal’ incorporated into the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson, was paraphrased from the writing of Philip Mazzei, an Italian-born patriot and pamphleteer, who was a close friend of Jefferson… This phrase appears in Italian in Mazzei’s own hand, written in Italian, several years prior to the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Mazzei and Jefferson often exchanged ideas about true liberty and freedom. No one man can take complete credit for the ideals of American democracy.
I love the story of Philip Mazzei because his words printed above, so clearly describe American ideals. Mazzei also wrote (in 1776) “We think that if we could have but one and the same Constitution for all the united colonies, our union would be infinitely stronger”.
On this 4th of July, let us salute Mr. Mazzei, an American patriot.
Note: You can click on any picture for a slide show with even more pictures!
I have no affiliation with any product, manufacturer, or site mentioned in this article.
Wednesday, July 4th 2012 at 12:41 am |
I’ve never heard of Philip Mazzei before, but what an interesting epitaph and biography he has. Thanks for the introduction:)
Wednesday, July 4th 2012 at 7:24 am |
Hi Mette,
And from America, Happy 4th of July! Do not feel badly, I dare say most Americans are unfamiliar with this gentleman as well. I, however am doing my bit to rectify that. So often the Founding Fathers are thought of as the only ones, along with the great philosophers, who contributed to the wording of America’s sacred documents. But Philip Mazzei clearly had an influence. He was quite the polymath; along with all else I listed, prior to his arrival here he had formed a company in London for the import of Italian goods to England – sort of the Eataly of his day! And when he came to the Colonies, he was charged with setting up and tending Thomas Jefferson’s experimental vineyards. So there you go – Sig. Mazzei in a nutshell. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Wednesday, July 4th 2012 at 9:26 am |
Adri – I’m so glad you’re spreading the word about Mazzei. More Americans should be made aware of his contributions to the U.S.
Wednesday, July 4th 2012 at 11:10 am |
Thank you, Linda,
It is my pleasure entirely, and I do mean my pleasure. I love history, and in this case, I really think others will also. We only think of our Founding Fathers and European Enlightenment philosophers when we talk of our core principles. Many contributed, and I hope folks will enjoy learning about Philip Mazzei. Thank you very much for stopping by and especially for your comment. Have a great Fourth of July!
Wednesday, July 4th 2012 at 10:32 am |
What a nice 4th of July post =
Wednesday, July 4th 2012 at 11:16 am |
Thanks, Anthony,
Philip Mazzei is another one of the Italians who contributed so much to our country who seems to be forgotten. I say let’s raise a drink in his honor! Salute!
Thursday, July 4th 2013 at 7:33 am |
How fascinating and inspiring! Thank you for sharing this particularly significant contribution of Italian-America! Happy 4th, Adri!
Thursday, July 4th 2013 at 8:07 am |
Hi Michelle,
It’s quite a story indeed. Remarkably the descendants of Philip Mazzei produce wine to this day in Tuscany. More remarkably it is carried at Costco, at usually about $17.00/bottle. Cheers and Happy 4th of July!
Monday, October 24th 2016 at 5:26 am |
I am Italian American,italians were looked down upon their immigration to this country,though it was named after an Italian,the English we are led to believe we\’re the founding fathers of America,it hit hard ,the words all men were created equal,viva lItalia,thank you, Garibaldi was a man that fought for freedom and independence,in south America,and united Italy,i have read president Lincoln wanted general Garibaldi to lead the union troops,he would do it if slavery abolished mentioned was the main,priority,it was not,they still remained friends,i remember when the Italians were thought of as black Europeans,dagos,wops,guneas,the only thing they are known and mostly remembered for is the Mafia,sad,thats our stereotype,gangsters.That was nice to read,phillipo mazzei,
Saturday, October 29th 2016 at 7:04 am |
Benvenuto,
Indeed, Italians faced great difficulties when coming to America. Thankfully, for Italians, at least, those days have passed. The contributions of Italian immigrants to our great country are many, and Italian-Americans can be justly proud. Thank you very much for stopping by, and for your very thoughtful comment.