How to Use a Forefather’s Wisdom in Your Life Today

One of the most well-read people to ever live

An American statesman, diplomat, lawyer, architect, and philosopher, as well as one of the forefathers of our nation, he spoke several languages and was an insatiable learner. He is known as the author of the Declaration of Independence. The representatives of the 13 colonies selected him to write the Declaration because they all agreed he was the best writer.

When British troops burned the original Library of Congress in 1814, he donated his personal library as its replacement. His library totaled about 6500 books! Another fascinating fact is he loved to write letters and wrote about 19,000 during his lifetime!

While he served as the third president of the United States, he did not include this achievement on his gravestone. Instead, he had it inscribed “Here was buried Thomas Jefferson, Author of the Declaration of Independence, of the Statute of Virginia for religious freedom and Father of the University of Virginia.”

Thomas Jefferson was born in 1743 in Shadwell, Virginia, British America. Living a long life for the period, he died in 1826 at the age of 83 on July 4th, the birthday of American independence.

His accomplishments were significant in the history of the United States of America. Among his many actions as president, in 1807, he signed the Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves. In addition to serving as president of the United States of America, he was president of the American Philosophical Society.

While the sheer volume of his writing is considerable, he wrote only one full-length book in 1785 titled Notes on the State of Virginia. His book was considered by many to be the most important American book published before 1800.

The following quotes are from various writings of Jefferson. Included are important quotes that apply to us as well today as when they were written. If you wish to read more of Jefferson’s writings, you will find them in the Library of Congress.

Honesty

“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” — Thomas Jefferson

It is as true today as the day it was written. Who can be trusted if they have questionable honesty? Nearly 3000 years ago the wisest man on earth said, “Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.” Proverbs 12:17

Hard Work and Luck

“I’m a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.” — Thomas Jefferson

Others often do not see the hard work and preparation it took for someone to achieve success. They will look at them and say they are lucky, ignoring the fact that they worked for what they have earned. As Seneca said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

Attitude

“Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.” — Thomas Jefferson

With a proper attitude you can accomplish almost anything you wish in life. As Henry Ford once noted, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right.”

Courage

“One man with courage is a majority.” — Thomas Jefferson

Courage comes from inside and is an immensely powerful attribute. It takes courage to push ahead and persist in life and to achieve anything of value. As Robert Frost famously said, “The best way out is always through.” Also, as Walt Disney stated, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

Watch the Small Things

“Take care of your cents: dollars will take care of themselves.” — Thomas Jefferson

Mind the little things in life and big things will happen in the process. Whether in your savings, career, relationships, or any area of life, it is what you do in the little things that matter most. As Mother Theresa once said, “Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” And as the famous painter Vincent Van Gogh one stated, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”

Take Control of Yourself

“When angry count to ten before you speak. If very angry, count to one hundred.” — Thomas Jefferson

Rather than react, learn to respond in life. Our natural inclination when we are angry is to react quickly which usually does not produce a good outcome. It is better to respond in a thoughtful and mindful manner, rather than react in a thoughtless and mindless way. As Zig Ziglar once said, “It’s not the situation, but whether we react negative or respond positive to the situation that is important.”

Caring for Mind and Body

“Every day is lost in which we do not learn something useful. Man has no nobler or more valuable possession than time.” — Thomas Jefferson

“Leave all the afternoon for exercise and recreation, which are as necessary as reading. I will rather say more necessary because health is worth more than learning.” — Thomas Jefferson

A full and fruitful life can be lived by learning continually and taking care of your health. Each adds great benefit to your life now and in the future.

Learning helps you take more meaning from life. As Socrates once said, “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” Learning fires up everything else in life.

To take care of your body not only prolongs life but improves your ability to enjoy it. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “He who has health, has hope. And he who has hope, has everything.” And as Jim Rohn reminds us. “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.”

May Jefferson’s quotes refresh your thoughts about life. If you wish to learn more from this amazing man, check out the many articles, books, and videos on his life. To read most of what he wrote during his extraordinary life, click here.

Bill Abbate Leadership Writer and Editor in ILLUMINATION.

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