What significant contribution did Thomas Jefferson make to Enlightenment thought?

Thomas Jefferson made a monumental contribution to Enlightenment thought by articulating the values of liberty and equality, most notably through the Declaration of Independence. This document passionately asserted that all men are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These principles reflect the core Enlightenment ideals of individual rights and the belief that government should be based on the consent of the governed. Jefferson's emphasis on personal freedoms and the intrinsic worth of the individual helped to reinforce and promote the Enlightenment's challenge to traditional authority and governance, influencing democratic thought and movements thereafter.

In contrast, the separation of powers is more closely associated with thinkers such as Montesquieu, who greatly influenced political theory but did not specifically embody Jefferson’s direct contributions. Advocating for divine right contradicts Enlightenment ideals, as it supports the notion of monarchical power based on supposed divine authority rather than individual rights. Emphasizing the importance of tradition runs counter to the Enlightenment’s focus on reason, progress, and the questioning of established norms.