Independent Minds — Jefferson

Discovering History’s Formula For Learning And Development

As this series has progressed, we have used the metaphor of a dinner party. It is one I find immensely entertaining. Voltaire, Edison, Einstein, and Lovelace — to name just a few — sitting around a giant table and debating the finer points of philosophy, education, and the universe. But someone needs to bring the wine!

Who better? Who more independent? What better mind than our recent birthday boy Thomas Jefferson?

Polymath

Jefferson’s education (not to be confused with Thomas Jefferson Education — a system that lacks considerably in modeling its namesake) was very typical of the rest of our party goers. He embraced formal methods more than some. He traveled much later than most people realize — he was in his 40’s before he ever ventured beyond the Philadelphia — Williamsburg corridor. But his education was based on many of the same experiential tenets as others we have covered.

He learned science, math, rhetoric, philosophy, literature, and eventually law. He was a student of society and culture. He was outspoken and had a penchant for entertaining and wine. He experimented at numerous kinds of agriculture, but unlike his father was never greatly successful. His experience and studies were broad and showed the opportunism of any great scholarly enthusiast.

Mentors

Jefferson was a man of many relationships. Some adversarial. Some scandalous. Some raucous. But most simply affirmed his drive to surround himself with knowledgeable and thoughtful individuals.

Among his early mentors were Professor William Small, Governor Francis Fauquier, and likely most well-known George Wythe. All of these men were critical in his early education and development as a young man and aspiring statesman. Small would introduce him to a liberal education. Fauquier would provide an early model for governing and leadership. And finally, Wythe would lead Jefferson into the study of law (and society overall). Jefferson may have had little luck growing crops, but he had able ability to grow his mind and mentoring was critical.

Critics

Jefferson was born on this day April 13th, but he fittingly died on the 4th of July. In a more interesting twist, he shares his independence day exit date with one of his greatest rivals, John Adams. The two men died within hours of each other. But popular account — Jefferson, who died first, asked the date before resigning to his fate. Adams… well, some people don’t appreciate a good adversarial relationship.

“Is it the Fourth? I resign my spirit to God, my daughter, and my country.” — Jefferson “Thomas Jefferson survives.” — Adams (who clearly died both angry and wrong)

Jefferson had little issue mentally sparring with almost anyone. He does seem to have alienated more than a few former friends. While Adams clearly became fixated, others fences were broken, too. As an example, Jefferson only mended fences with George Washington many years after Jefferson’s initial criticisms divided their relationship.

In the end, it was Jefferson’s independent mind that likely created his rifts. It left him inattentive to finances and a less than competent agriculturalist. It also inspired his experimentation and research. It led him to question politics and religion. Ultimately, it made him one of history’s most influential statesman and greatest voices for both education and freedom.