Update from Ancient Greece

Deanna, what Jefferson and Mill are restating here is the ancient Greek discovery of the worth, value of the individual.  The Greeks were the first to point out that we have individual, personal value distinct, apart from tribe, country, family, government.  At the time, people in other parts of the ancient world were considered property of the ruler.  For instance, in Egypt, the pharaoh owned the people as property and could do with them as he wished, wanted.  You get the idea.  Ayn Rand in our time restated this ancient Greek insight, value forcefully as a reaction to the Communist dictatorships that emerged in the last century, and with which she had first-hand, brutal, personal experience in Russia.  My understanding of Christianity is that it too puts huge value on each and every individual.  Combine our Christian legacy with that of ancient Greece, and you have a powerful argument for individual worth.  Hopefully we will not lose it.  Dr. Rux