Filippo Mazzei

Filippo Mazzei

Patriot (1730-1816)

Everyone knows Thomas Jefferson penned the phrase, “All men are createdequal.” Few are aware that the inspiration for those immortal words came fromTuscan physician and longtime friendFilippo Mazzei, who wrote in a letter toJefferson that “all men are by nature equally free and independent.” Mazzei wasa tireless advocate for the Revolution, writing newspaper articles, seeking aid inEurope, advocating for an alliance with France and even mapping out asuccessful strategy for the Battle of Yorktown. (Provided by Fra Noi/Written byPaul Basile)For more geniuses, go to https://www.jccia.com/genius