Thomas Jefferson was the author of extraordinary words and it was those words that changed a nation. Jefferson's ability to write made him the leading author of the Declaration of Independence (among other significant works). Jefferson's writings reflected on the rights of humanity and what rights a government must offer its people. His use of words to fight for human rights makes him one of America's greatest heroes. Thomas Jefferson's writings on basic human rights caused a radical change in the thinking of American colonists, and these astounding ideas would influence Americans to break away from Great Britain. “As a boy, Thomas Jefferson was shy and often speechless… He preferred the company of books to that of most people. (Wilmore, 1) These were the words to describe the young Jefferson; his childhood would prove pivotal in shaping the man, who through his words would change a nation. Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 in Shadwell, Virginia. During his childhood he spent 15 hours a day reading and writing, which would demonstrate that his writing skills were. of high standing (1). As an adult, he would study law at his home in Virginia, at William and Mary College in Williamsburg (Bottorff, 15). During this time he would become a member of the Whig party and support rights and liberties of humanity (Peterson, 1). It was in childhood and as an adult that he learned to write and express his political opinions through words. “For Thomas Jefferson, the pen was truly mightier than the sword. From his pen sprang some of the most famous and influential words in the world." (Wilmore, 1) No truer words could have been said about Jefferson for it was through his words that warned... halfway down the page... to Jefferson, who was now gone." His death in the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence was a mystery of fate or it could just be a coincidence (Bottorff, 118). Even Adams, who rekindled his friendship with Jefferson after it had been interrupted by political differences, died on the same die a few years later. hours apart (117). Jefferson's last writings were on his tombstone, which read “Here was buried Thomas Jefferson. Author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom, and Father of 'University of Virginia. Born April 1, 1743 O.S. Died July 4, 1826.”(Donovan, 296) These were Jefferson's greatest achievements in his eyes, he saw his fight for natural rights in his life as the most important in his life. His fight for natural rights made him one of America's greatest heroes.