The New Rights of Man

Więcej o książce

The long tradition of individual freedoms and rights foundational to Western civilization spans over 2000 years. These rights, often perceived as universal and permanent, were actually achieved through significant individual actions and events rather than gradual evolution. Landmark moments, documented in laws and speeches, were often penned by individuals risking their lives, collectively representing the pinnacle of Western achievement. In an era where peace and universal justice may seem elusive, it is encouraging to witness enlightened individuals emerging in every generation. This collection presents major documents that embody the rights and freedoms we frequently take for granted, yet should cherish deeply. Written in accessible language, these texts are both inspiring and informative. Key documents include Plato's "The Republic," Cicero's "On the State," Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount," and Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations," alongside pivotal historical milestones such as the Magna Carta, Thomas More's "Utopia," and Martin Luther's Speech before the Diet of Worms. Other notable entries include the Poor Law Act, the Mayflower Compact, Galileo's works, the Habeas Corpus Act, Rousseau's "The Social Contract," the Declaration of Independence, and Mary Wollstonecraft's "Vindication of the Rights of Woman." This anthology also features significant speeches and acts that shaped modern democracy, culminating in the Charter of the U