The Ornamented Being

Ask any American what first comes to their mind when thinking about the Declaration of Independence and they will give you one of three answers: the famous second sentence about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, Thomas Jefferson, or John Hancock’s bold signature. Part of the myth of Hancock’s John Hancock was that he signed in such large letters so King George III could read it without his spectacles. Whether Hancock really said something like this or not, one thing is true—King George, or anyone for that matter, could read Hancock’s signature without glasses.