Inspired by Mr. Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was such a remarkable person that a brief blog entry could never do him justice.  Monticello and the associated museum provide overwhelming evidence of his never ending curiosity, creativity, architectural skills, love of science and knowledge, and belief in democracy.

After five years in France Jefferson associated grandiose architecture with the aristocracy, which he found antithetical to the ideals of American democracy.  So, upon returning to Virginia he revised the design for Monticello to eliminate an imposing two-story portico.  Instead -- even as he expanded the house from eight rooms to twenty to accommodate his large and growing family -- he designed a three story house that appears to have only one story.

The gardens and surrounding farm were also sources of endless experimentation and improvement for Jefferson.

Given his love of knowledge, Jefferson provided places for the quiet enjoyment of books and nature. 

“I cannot live without books.”

During our time of endless presidential campaigning, congressional deadlock, denial of science and growing wealth disparity, it is easy to miss Thomas Jefferson:  A man who entertained his political friends and foes, he ended his Presidency personally indebted and died broke, but gave us the Declaration of Independence, the Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark, and the University of Virginia.  And, he loved good wine.

Some thoughts from Tom:

“Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.”  

“The end of democracy and the defeat of the American Revolution will occur when government falls into the hands of lending institutions and moneyed incorporations.”  

“If ignorance is bliss, why aren't more people happy?”