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Japanese translation of the Declaration of Independence

Coverage of Japanese translation of the Declaration of Independence in the Nexus archive.

Earliest in view: Jul 3 · 15:00 UTCMost recent: Jul 3 · 15:00 UTC
Co-mentioned in this coverage
Declaration of Independencetopic1Samuel Johnsonperson1George Orwellperson1Book of Genesistopic1Ulpianperson1affirmative actiontopic1Roman imperial juristtopic1
Recent coverage
  • POLITICSJul 3 · 15:00 UTCTHE ATLANTIC
    The Strange History of the Word Equal

    The article explores the evolving meaning of the word 'equal,' highlighting how a Japanese translation of the Declaration of Independence rendered 'all men are created equal' as 'heaven created all persons in the same rut.' It discusses Samuel Johnson’s 1755 dictionary definitions of 'equal,' which include conflicting interpretations that underpin modern debates between liberals/progressives (focusing on proportional fairness) and conservatives (emphasizing legal sameness). Historical contexts like Roman law, biblical creationism, and Athenian democracy are cited to show how equality claims have coexisted with social hierarchies.