15713. THOMAS JEFFERSON AND EQUALITY. Jefferson's claim that "all men are created equal" contrasts the inequalities that exist in reality (in fact, Jefferson himself owned slaves). This paper discusses the interpretations of what Jefferson really meant by his claim and argues that although the claim does not describe the truth, it provides an ideal for the government and the law to strive toward. 9 pages, 9 footnotes, 4 bibliographic sources.