Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Author Walter Isaacson (Extended)
Air Date: February 21, 2026

Overview

In this episode, Stephen Colbert welcomes acclaimed biographer Walter Isaacson, author of new book The Greatest Sentence Ever Written, to discuss the enduring impact of the Declaration of Independence’s iconic phrase: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” They explore the phrase’s origins, philosophical foundations, inherent contradictions, and its resonance as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The New Book: “The Greatest Sentence Ever Written”

• Book Length & Inspiration

  • Colbert humorously notes the book’s brevity—just 67 pages.
  • Isaacson compares its length to Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, underscoring impact can come in concise packages.
  • Colbert: “Is it the greatest book you’ve ever written?”
  • Isaacson: “It’s the shortest by far.” [02:08]

• The Greatest Sentence

  • Isaacson identifies the Declaration’s central phrase as the “greatest sentence” and its role in shaping American identity. [02:31]
  • “We know it by heart. But we’ve never really parsed it and really thought deeply about it.” —Walter Isaacson [02:31]
  • He suggests America’s 250th anniversary is the perfect moment for reflection.

Parsing the Declaration & its Language

• Inalienable vs. Unalienable

  • Colbert queries the difference in wording (inalienable vs. unalienable). [02:49]
  • Isaacson explains: “Adams…transcribes it to unalienable. I like inalienable better. That’s the way it is on the Jefferson [draft].” [03:04]
  • Ultimately, a transcription error: “They made mistakes.” [03:20]
  • Colbert jokes: “Flammable, Inflammable.” [03:26]

• Founding Ideals vs. Reality

  • Colbert notes modern debates about the Declaration’s place as a founding document.
  • Isaacson responds: “It’s our mission statement...It becomes a forcing mechanism for 250 years...” [03:54]
  • He traces how leaders like Lincoln, MLK Jr., and JFK invoked these ideals as an aspiration for America.

• The Contradiction of Slavery

  • Colbert: “Three of those five men were owners of enslaved people.” [04:38]
  • Isaacson acknowledges the founding contradiction, citing Franklin’s journey to abolitionism. [04:51]
  • Isaacson on Jefferson: Highlights hypocrisy—Jefferson condemns slavery in draft, yet owns 400 enslaved people; the anti-slavery language was ultimately edited out. [05:56]
  • “That’s why this sentence has so much you can wrestle with.” —Walter Isaacson [06:07]

The Art of Compromise

• Colbert compares current partisan gridlock to the founders’ struggles for consensus.
• Isaacson: Compromise was essential—“Compromisers may not make great heroes, but they do make great democracies.” [06:33]
• He laments the nation’s lost “art of balance and compromise.”

Influence of Science and Rationality

• Franklin and Jefferson were influenced by Isaac Newton’s scientific principles. [07:01]

  • Newton’s “contending forces” and equilibrium inspired their search for balance in governance.
  • “You have to find the right balance.” —Walter Isaacson [07:25]

• Key Draft Change:

  • First draft: “We hold these truths to be sacred.”
  • Franklin edits it to: “…self-evident.”
  • Isaacson: “You see them trying to balance the role of divine providence and the role of rationality in giving us our rights.” [07:41]

• Philosophical Foundations

  • Franklin’s time with philosopher David Hume influenced the focus on reason and “truths that are there by virtue of reason.” [08:21]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “[The Declaration] is our mission statement... Even though...the mission statement wasn’t true at the time...it becomes a forcing mechanism for 250 years...” —Walter Isaacson [03:54]
• “Franklin...said look, you know, compromisers may not make great heroes, but they do make great democracies. We lost that art of balance and compromise in our country today.” —Walter Isaacson [06:33]
• “We hold these truths to be sacred.” … Franklin crosses it out and puts “self-evident.” —Walter Isaacson [07:41]
• “I hope this year we can heal some of the wounds and try to come together to rededicate ourselves to the next 250.” —Walter Isaacson [09:15]
• Colbert’s closing wish: “I share you in that hope, Walter.” [10:00]

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |-----------|--------------| | 01:38 | Introduction of Walter Isaacson | | 02:08 | The book’s length compared to Common Sense | | 02:27 | The Declaration’s “greatest sentence”—why it matters | | 02:49 | Inalienable vs. unalienable – editing quirks | | 03:54 | The Declaration as America’s ‘mission statement’ | | 04:38 | The contradiction of slavery among the founders | | 05:53 | Jefferson’s anti-slavery draft lines | | 06:33 | The processes—and virtues—of compromise | | 07:01 | Newton’s influence on Jefferson and Franklin | | 07:41 | “Sacred” vs. “self-evident”; reason vs. providence | | 08:21 | Hume’s philosophical influence | | 08:46 | Isaacson’s birthday wish for America at 250 | | 10:00 | Final hopeful thoughts and episode wrap-up |

Conclusion

In a concise but rich conversation, Walter Isaacson and Stephen Colbert meditate on the philosophical, historical, and deeply human complexities of the Declaration of Independence. The “greatest sentence” is explored not just as a relic but a living mission statement—one that has continually challenged Americans to live up to its ideals. Isaacson’s wish is for a renewed sense of unity and purpose as America marks its 250th birthday, invoking a hopeful vision of compromise, reason, and common ground.