By The Book Reviews

Review by By The Books Reviewer

Walter Isaacson's latest work, "The Greatest Sentence Ever Written," is a concise yet ambitious examination of the Declaration of Independence's most renowned line: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal..." ([simonandschuster.com](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Greatest-Sentence-Ever-Written/Walter-Isaacson/9781982181314?utm_source=openai)). In a mere 80 pages, Isaacson endeavors to dissect this 35-word sentence, aiming to illuminate its historical significance and contemporary relevance. However, despite his esteemed reputation as a biographer, this endeavor falls short of delivering the depth and originality one might expect.

Isaacson's approach is methodical, dedicating individual chapters to each segment of the sentence. He delves into the philosophical underpinnings of phrases like "We hold" and "self-evident," tracing their roots to Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. While this structure promises a thorough analysis, the execution often feels superficial, offering insights that are neither groundbreaking nor particularly enlightening. For instance, his discussion on "all men are created equal" revisits the well-trodden critique of the Founding Fathers' hypocrisy, noting that many were slave owners ([publishersweekly.com](https://www.publishersweekly.com/9781982181314?utm_source=openai)). This observation, while valid, has been extensively explored in existing literature, rendering Isaacson's treatment redundant.

Furthermore, Isaacson's attempt to connect the historical context to present-day political polarization appears forced and lacks substantive analysis. He suggests that revisiting the Declaration's ideals could serve as a unifying force in contemporary America ([news.harvard.edu](https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/11/our-self-evident-truths/?utm_source=openai)). However, this assertion is presented without a robust framework or actionable insights, leaving readers with a sense of unfulfilled promise.

Critically, the book's brevity undermines its potential impact. At 80 pages, there is insufficient space to develop nuanced arguments or present comprehensive evidence. This conciseness results in a narrative that feels rushed and underdeveloped, failing to do justice to the complexity of the subject matter.

In summary, "The Greatest Sentence Ever Written" is a well-intentioned but ultimately underwhelming exploration of a pivotal American text. Isaacson's reputation as a biographer sets high expectations that this work does not meet. Readers seeking a profound or original analysis of the Declaration's famous sentence will likely find this book lacking. Therefore, I must conclude: Not recommended.

Recommendation: Not recommended.

written on: 11/27/2025