“The accounts of the U.S. ought to be, and may be made as simple as those of a common farmer, and capable of being understood by common farmers.”
Monthly Archives: November 2007
On Having an Attitude of Gratitude:
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let’s try to remember that the day is about more than just turkey and stuffing; it’s about expressing our gratitude for all the things we have. Thomas Jefferson believed that when we see other people showing gratitude and other virtues, we are more likely to exhibit those virtues ourselves. He wrote:
“Everything [...]
Today in Thomas Jefferson’s History:
Monday, November 19, 2007
On November 19, 1786, Thomas Jefferson wrote to Maria Cosway,
“When sins are dear to us were are but too prone to slide into them again. The act of repentance itself is often sweetened with the thought that it clears our account for a repetition of the same sin.”
On government in our federal system:
Monday, November 12, 2007
“We are now vibrating between too much & too little government, & the pendulum will rest finally in the middle.”
On favors:
Thursday, November 8, 2007
“Favors are doubly precious which, promoting the present purposes of interest and of friendship, enlarge the foundations for their continuance and increase.”
On the “natural aristocracy”:
Monday, November 5, 2007
On October 28, 1813, Thomas Jefferson wrote to John Adams:
“I agree with you that there is a natural aristocracy among men. The grounds of this are virtue & talents.”
Today in Thomas Jefferson’s History:
Sunday, November 4, 2007
On November 4, 1823, Thomas Jefferson wrote to the Marquis de Lafayette:
“For in truth, the parties of Whig and Tory are those of nature. They exist in all countries, whether called by these names, or by those of Aristocrats and democrats, . . . Ultras and Radicals, Serviles, and Liberals. The sickly, weakly, timid man [...]
Today in Thomas Jefferson’s History:
Friday, November 2, 2007
On November 2, 1822, Thomas Jefferson wrote to Thomas Cooper about the lack of discipline among American youth:
“The article of discipline is the most difficult in American education. Premature ideas of independence, too little repressed by parents, beget a spirit of insubordination, which is the great obstacle to science with us, and a principal cause [...]