Natural rights are fundamental rights that belong to every individual by virtue of human nature and are not dependent on laws, customs, or governments. They are universal, inalienable (cannot be taken away or repealed by human laws), and intrinsic to human existence. These rights typically include life, liberty, and property, with the American Declaration of Independence expanding the concept to include the pursuit of happiness
. The concept of natural rights has roots in ancient Greek philosophy and was developed through history by thinkers such as Cicero, Thomas Aquinas, and Enlightenment philosophers like John Locke. Locke famously identified natural rights as life, liberty, and property, which influenced the founding principles of modern democratic governments
. Natural rights differ from legal rights, which are granted and regulated by governments and can be modified or revoked. Natural rights exist independently of any legal system and serve as a foundation for laws and social contracts that protect individual freedoms
. In summary, natural rights are universal human rights granted by nature or a higher power, inherent to all people regardless of culture or government, and include essential freedoms such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness or property
