Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson (http://thepilver.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/thomas-jefferson-picture.jpg)

To risk so much for a better life for others is a trait that only some carry with them. Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 in Virginia. His father, Peter Jefferson, was a planter, who built a plantation of tobacco. Jane Jefferson his mother was born and raised in Shadwell Parish, Tower Hamlets, and London. He had six sisters and one brother. When Jefferson was younger he dreamed of growing up to be just like his dad. When his dad passed away this dream changed. Thomas Jefferson’s dad made him promise to finish school, but as for following in his father’s footsteps that became something entirely different. He ended up contributing most of his life to the country.

Thomas Jefferson (http://www.ecusd7.org/nelson/nelsonstaff/lburns/pres06_files/image014.jpg)

Jefferson once said, “Never put off tomorrow what you can do today” (Michael Moncur). Jefferson was a very accomplished man. Thomas Jefferson worked hard at everything he did and never took his time for granted. His dedication and determination was incredibly inspiring. He took pride in what he believed in and fought for it. He played a big role of the development of the nation during the American Revolution and authored the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson was also involved in forming the Constitution, the backbone of the United States. Because of his dedication to his fellow countrymen and his approach to a higher quality of governing and true belief in the equality of all men makes him someone to look up to and be classified as a hero.

Jefferson held the position of presidency during the years of 1800 through 1808. Through his dedication he changed the way of the government and how it was run. Thomas Jefferson was described by Henry Adams as, “one of those rare politicians who dared to legislate as though eternal peace were at hand, in a world torn by wars and convulsions and drowned in blood”(Coates Sr, Eyler Robert). He supported legislation from a broader viewpoint, one of belief in the goodness of man to rise above even the horrors of war and lead from the highest example of humanity. This future thinking man created a foundation that would serve countless generations. “When Jefferson himself became a member of the house of Burgesses four years later, despite his close ties to the highest levels of Virginia society, he joined with Henry, Richard Henry Lee, Francis Lightfoot Lee, and other radicals who opposed the domination of the mother country on the society and economics of Virginia”(Jefferson, Thomas). Even early on Jefferson stood for what was right and went against the Virginia society. He supported strongly different beliefs and kept faith in them. Thomas Jefferson’s commitment to American society has led to a more enlightened government style.

Jefferson’s philosophy on equality had a major impact on the nation. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”(Declaration of Independence, U.S.). Jefferson was a true visionary. He wanted equality for men to be looked upon all the same, to not be judged by their religions or their beliefs. He used The Declaration of Independence to layout a road map for our country’s future. Jefferson was creating new ideals by which to govern. He risked everything, his life and his family’s life, to make change in the world, “Under the law of nature, all men are born free, everyone comes into the world with a right to his own person, which includes the liberty of moving and using it at his own will. This is what is called personal liberty, and is given him by the author of nature, because necessary for his own sustenance”(Coates Sr, Eyler Robert). Jefferson knew the wrong from the right, what to do and what not to do. He was a leader, not a follower. He looked into the future and not only the present. Jefferson wanted equality and for the nation to come in peace and not judge one another based on looks.

His altruism is what our country needed. It is what led to creating a different type of governing. His vision for the rights of the people is what makes it the strongest. Equality is taken for granted. Through writing this paper I have a new appreciation and respect for a group of men who stood up for what was right and made a difference in the world. Thomas Jefferson is an inspiration to me because of his persevering attitude and the accomplishments he has made in his life. Thomas Jefferson once said, “I like the dreams of the future rather than the history of the past.”(Michael Moncur) This to me shows how he looked at things from a bigger picture. He looked out for the country by showing people the potential of a better life. Today he is looked upon by many; he is a timeless figure who is respected today as much as he was then. Because of his dedication to the nation and a believer of equality for others and not only thinking of himself makes Thomas Jefferson a true hero. Works Consulted “Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826).” Discovering biography. Online ed. Detroh: Gale, 2003 student resource center-Gold. Del Norte High School. 6 may. 2010.

“Jefferson, Thomas. International Encyclopedia of the social sciences. Ed William A. Danity, Jr. 2nd ed. Vol.4. petropit: Macmillan Reference USA, 2008. 179-184. Gale Virtual Reference library. Web. 7 May 2010.

"Declaration of Independence, U.S." International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences. Ed. William A. Darity, Jr. 2nd ed. Vol. 2. Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA, 2008. 254-255. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 20 May 2010.

Jefferson, Thomas." International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences. Ed. William A. Darity, Jr. 2nd ed. Vol. 4. Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA, 2008. 179-184. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 20 May 2010.

Coates, Eyler Robert. “48. Civil Rights. “Thomas Jefferson on politics & Government. 1995-2001. 15 May 2010. http://etext.virginia.edu/jefferson/quotations/jeff1500.htm.

Michael Moncur.” Quotationspage.com”. 1994-2007. 15 May 2010. http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Thomas_Jefferson