How Would AI Rewrite the Declaration of Independence?

When the original Declaration of Independence was drafted and signed 248 years ago, society was very different. None of the technologies we rely on today were invented, and the population essentially comprised descendants of the original 13 British colonies. While the Declaration of Independence was revised numerous times before it was finally approved, and since then, the principles of the original Declaration of Independence still guide our country today.

While no politician in his or her right mind would suggest revising such a sacred document, artificial intelligence would suffer no repercussions if it suggested revisions in the Declaration of Independence. Design News found that when it posted the question to ChatGPT, “How would you rewrite the Declaration of Independence in 2024?”

ChatGPT 3.5 came up with the following answer:

Writing the Declaration of Independence in 2024 would likely incorporate modern language and address contemporary issues while maintaining the spirit of the original document. Here’s how it might be framed:

Congress, July 4, 2024

The Declaration of Independence

When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for a people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's Creator entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of humankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

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We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all individuals are created equal, endowed with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among people, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

In these times of rapid technological advancement and interconnected global economies, it is imperative that governments uphold these fundamental rights in the face of new challenges and opportunities. Recognizing the power of information and the digital age, we affirm the right of every person to access and disseminate information freely, without censorship or undue restriction.

We recognize that environmental stewardship is essential for the well-being of present and future generations. The preservation of our planet's resources and biodiversity is a shared responsibility, requiring international cooperation and sustainable practices.

Today, we reaffirm our commitment to equality and justice for all, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. We reject discrimination and prejudice in all its forms and strive for a society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the common good.

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Therefore, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, we solemnly publish and declare that these United States are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to any government that does not secure these rights; and that as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do.

And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.

The note under this answer by ChatGPT added:

This adaptation preserves the essence of the original Declaration while addressing contemporary issues such as digital rights, environmental stewardship, and equality. It reflects the evolving understanding of human rights and the challenges faced in the modern era.