Светлина и свобода

by Thomas Jefferson, Або (Translator)

Томас Джеферсън (1743 – 1826) е третият президент на САЩ (1801 – 1809), автор на Декларацията за независимост (4 юли 1776 г.), един от Бащите на нацията и основоположник на Великия експеримент отвъд океана.

Ерик Питърсън, съставител на тази книга, изпитва силно увлечение по личността и делото на Томас Джеферсън. Когато негов приятел разпалва наново тази му страст, той се сдобива с едно от най-пълните издания с документи на третия президент на САЩ. Поставя си за цел да прочете задълбочено над десетте хиляди документа, като открои най-същностното и до систематизира така, че идеите и мъдростта на Джеферсън да достигнат до възможно най-широк кръг от читатели.

Този сборник е съставен изцяло от цитати на Томас Джеферсън, подбрани от огромния брой негови речи, обръщения, записки, доклади, законопроекти и писма и подредени по изначалните теми, които започват от вярата, щастието, личното усъвършенстване, здравето, патриотизма, любовта и стигат до молитвата за мир, свободата и светлината.

Ерик Питърсън успява да представи житейската, политическата и нравствената философия на един от Бащите на нацията в проникновена и разбираема форма, като по този начин го успореди с мислители като Цицерон, Сенека и Марк Аврелий.

В тази книга, пропита с дълбок и неподвластен на времето хуманизъм, читателят може да намери отговор на въпроси, пред които съвременният човек, мислещ с категориите и на личното, и на общественото, непрекъснато се изправя.

Genres: History, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Politics

Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Thomas Jefferson was an American statesman, diplomat, lawyer, architect, philosopher, and Founding Father who served as the third president of the United States from 1801 to 1809. He was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Following the American Revolutionary War and prior to becoming president in 1801, Jefferson was the nation's first U.S. secretary of state under George Washington and then the nation's second vice president under John Adams. Jefferson was a leading proponent of democracy, republicanism, and individual rights, and produced formative documents and decisions at the state, national, and international levels. His writings and advocacy for human rights, including freedom of thought, speech, and religion, served as substantial inspirations to the American Revolution and subsequent Revolutionary War in which the Thirteen Colonies succeeded in breaking from British America and establishing the United States as a sovereign nation.
During the American Revolution, Jefferson represented Virginia at the Second Continental Congress and served as the second governor of Virginia from 1779 to 1781. In 1785, Congress appointed Jefferson U.S. minister to France, where he served from 1785 to 1789. President Washington then appointed Jefferson the nation's first secretary of state, where he served from 1790 to 1793. During this time, in the early 1790s, Jefferson and James Madison organized the Democratic-Republican Party to oppose the Federalist Party during the formation of the nation's First Party System. Jefferson and Federalist John Adams became both friends and political rivals. In the 1796 U.S. presidential election between the two, Jefferson came in second, which made him Adams' vice president under the electoral laws of the time. Four years later, in the 1800 presidential election, Jefferson again challenged Adams, and won the presidency. In 1804, Jefferson was reelected overwhelmingly to a second term.
As president, Jefferson assertively defended the nation's shipping and trade interests against Barbary pirates and aggressive British trade policies, promoted a western expansionist policy with the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the nation's geographic size, and was able to reduce military forces and expenditures following successful negotiations with France. In his second presidential term, Jefferson was beset by difficulties at home, including the trial of his former vice president Aaron Burr. In 1807, Jefferson implemented the Embargo Act to defend the nation's industries from British threats to U.S. shipping, limiting foreign trade and stimulating the birth of the American manufacturing industry. Presidential scholars and historians praise Jefferson's public achievements, including his advocacy of religious freedom and tolerance, his peaceful acquisition of the Louisiana Territory from France, and his leadership in supporting the Lewis and Clark Expedition; they give radically differing interpretations of his views on and relationship with slavery.
Jefferson is ranked by both scholars and in public opinion among the upper-tier of American presidents.

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of simple, but inspiring quotes by Thomas Jefferson covering topics like faith, happiness, gratitude, nature, humility, sacrifice, doing what is right, simplicity, enthusiasm, patriotism, liberty, oneness, hope, giving, forgiveness, love, patience, self-discipline, silence, and truth seeking. What a remarkable man! He truly was inspired and his words and example continue to bless our nation. Here are a few of my favorite quotes:

"Thomas Jefferson was the foremost voice of the great patriots who consolidated the victory of the American Revolution, the leader most trusted to articulate our national ideals, particularly in times of trial and transition. His Declaration of American Independence, Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, and First Inaugural Address can confidently be placed among the world's most powerful and admired inspirational essays. Under Jefferson's steady hand, the hopeful promise of the Revolution was transformed into the permanent reality of a continental republic based on Enlightenment principles (p. xi)."

"When Jefferson died on July 4, 1826, his political legacy included a huge quantity of official papers which he wrote during the time he held six elective and three appointive public offices.... Jefferson also left to his family and ultimately to the world a voluminous collection of personal correspondence, always incisive and frequently profound (p. x)."

"It is difficult to come away from a reading of Jefferson's complete writings without being struck by his elevated perspective, and feeling thankful for his life.... Jefferson's etchings of the American character are unique, and they never lose their capacity to inspire. It is in our nature, he wrote, to invent and execute, o find means within ourselves, and not to lean on others. To contract a habit of industry and activity. To be assiduous in learning, take much exercise for health, and practice much virtue. To become honest and useful to our fellow man. To consider nothing as desperate, and surmount every difficulty with resolution and contrivance. To try all things, and hold fast that which is good. To fear no injury any man can do us. To render cheerfully any service in our power, of whatever description. To lose no opportunity to exercise our hearts in benevolence. To act according to the dictates of our own reason. To follow truth, justice, and plain dealing. To let common sense and common honesty have fair play. To tolerate with utmost latitude the right of others to differ. To take religion as a matter between our Maker and ourselves. To establish a character of liberality and magnanimity. To be grateful, to be faithful to all engagements under all circumstances, and to be open and generous. To have nothing to do with conquest. To let the love of our country soar above all minor passions (p. ix)."

"Initially as a late-night activity...during his first term as President and later as one of his many retirement projects, he cut apart the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in four languages, eliminated duplications, and arranged the snippets in a plausible order. The resulting short tract, kept private for personal use during his lifetime, was found among Jefferson's papers following his death. In print today, it bears the title The Jefferson Bible. As in all things essentially Jeffersonian, simplicity and sagacity triumph (p. xii)."

"He lived not just for his momentous times but for all time. He wrote not just for his friends in life but for you and me, his friends in posterity. His words and wisdom are an unparalleled legacy. Thomas Jefferson illumined the pathway of world progress to a brighter future. His vision of light and liberty will ever remain the vision America cherishes (p. xiii)."

"There is only one God and He is all perfect... To love God will all thy heart and thy neighbor as thyself, is the sum of religion (p. 4)."

"We are not in a world ungoverned by the laws and the power of a Superior Agent. Our efforts are in His hand, and directed by it, and He will give them their effect in His own time (p. 4)."

"Nothing can contribute more to your future happiness...than the contracting a habit of industry and activity. Of all the cankers of human happiness none corrodes with so silent, yet so baneful an influence as indolence (p. 10)."

"Knowledge indeed is a desirable, a lovely possession, but I do not scruple to say that health is more so (p. 13)."

"Never think of taking a book with you. The object of walking is to relax the mind. You should, therefore, not permit yourself even to think while you walk; but divert yourself by the objects surrounding you. A little walk of half an hour, in the morning, when you first arise, is advisable (p. 14)."

"The sun is my almighty physician (p. 14)."

"I estimate the qualities of the mind; 1, good humor; 2, integrity; 3, industry; 4, science (p. 16)."

"When we assemble together to consider the state of our beloved country, our just attentions are first drawn to those pleasing circumstances which mark the goodness of that Being from whose favor they flow, and the large measure of thankfulness we owe for His bounty. Among the most inestimable of our blessings is that of liberty to worship our Creator in the way we think most agreeable to His will; a liberty deemed in other countries incompatible with good government and yet proved by our experience to be its best support (p. 19)."

"I have one system of ethics for men and for nations--to be grateful, to be faithful to all engagements and under all circumstances, to be open and generous, promoting in the long run even the interests of both; and I am sure it promotes their happiness (p. 20)."

"I hope I may be allowed to say that my public proceedings were always directed by a single view to the best interests of our country. I meddled in no intrigues, pursued no concealed object. I disdained all means which were not as open and honorable, as their object was pure. The whole art of government consists in the art of being honest. Only aim to do your duty, and mankind will give you credit where you fail. Let common sense and common honesty have fair play and they will soon set things to rights (p. 23)."

"The glow of one warm thought is to me worth more than money. It is neither wealth nor splendor, but tranquility and occupation, which give happiness. Wealth, title, and office are no recommendations to my friendship (p. 26)."

"When we shall have knocked down the artificial scaffolding, reared to mask from view the simple structure of Jesus; when, in short, we shall have unlearned everything which has been taught since His day, and got back to the pure and simple doctrines He inculcated, we shall then be truly and worthily His disciples; and my opinion is that if nothing had ever been added to what flowed purely from His lips, the whole world would at this day have been Christian (p. 35)."

"It behooves every man who values liberty of conscience for himself, to resist invasions of it in the case of others, or their case may, by change of circumstances, become his own; and to give no example of concession, betraying the common right of independent opinion, by answering questions of faith, which the laws have left between God and himself (p. 48)."

"I had the good fortune to become acquainted very early with some characters of very high standing, and to feel the incessant wish that I could ever become what they were.... I would ask myself what would Dr. Small, Mr. Wythe, Peyton Randolph do in this situation? What course in it will insure me their approbation (p. 49)?"

"Whenever you are to do a thing, though it can never be known but to yourself, ask yourself how you would act were all the world looking at you, and act accordingly. The precept of Providence is, to do always what is right, and leave the issue to Him (p. 53)."

"I am for a government rigorously frugal and simple. The accounts of the United States ought to be, and may be made as simple as those of a common farmer, and capable of being understood by common farmers (p. 55)."

"Congress will pretty completely fulfill all the desires of the people (p. 56)."

"The latter insisted and prevailed, to give no title but that of office, to wit, 'George Washington, President of he United States.' I hope the terms of Excellency, Honor, Worship, Esquire, forever disappear from among us, from that moment: I wish that of Mr. would follow them (p. 56)."

"Speeches of sententious brevity, using not a word to spare, leave not a moment for inattention to the hearer (p. 56)."

"A life of constant action leaves no time for recording. Our duty is to act upon things as they are, and make a reasonable provision for whatever they may be. Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today (p. 60)."

"I have often thought that if heaven had given me choice of my position and calling, it should have been on a rich spot of earth, well watered, and near a good market for the productions of the garden. No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden (p. 63)."

"The motion of my blood no longer keeps time with the tumult of the world. It leads me to seek for happiness in the lap and love of my family, in the society of my neighbors and my books, in the wholesome occupations of my farm and my affairs, in an interest or affection in every bud that opens, in every breath that blows around me, in an entire freedom of rest, of motion, of thought, owing account to myself alone of my hours and actions (p. 64)."

"My earnest prayers to all my friends are to cherish mutual good will, to promote harmony and conciliation, and above all things to let the love of our country soar above all minor passions. To preserve the peace of our fellow citizens, promote their prosperity and happiness, reunite opinion, cultivate a spirit of candor, moderation, charity, and forbearance toward one another, are objects calling for the efforts and sacrifices of every good man and patriot. Our religion enjoins it; our happiness demands it; and no sacrifice is requisite but of passions hostile to both (p. 66)."

"Let us...fellow citizens, unite with one heart and one mind (p. 68)."

"It is indeed an animating thought, that while we are securing the rights of ourselves and our posterity, we are pointing out the way to struggling nations, who wish like us to emerge from their tyrannies also. Heaven help their struggles, and lead them, as it has done us, triumphantly through them (p. 71)."

"The way to have good and safe government, is not to trust it all to one, but to divide it among the many, distributing to every one exactly the functions he is competent to. Let the national government be entrusted with the defense of the nation, and its foreign and federal relations; the state governments with civil rights, laws, police, and administration of what concerns the state generally; the counties with the local concerns of the counties, and each ward direct the interests within itself... by placing under every one what his own eye may superintend, that all will be done for the best (p. 72)."

"To preserve the independence of the people, we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt (p. 73)."

"I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God (p. 74)."

"The cement of this Union is in the heart-blood of every American. I do not believe there is on earth a government established on so immovable a basis. By bringing the sects together and mixing with them, we shall soften their aspirations, liberalize and neutralize their prejudices, and make the general religion a religion of peace, reason, and morality. The greatest good we can do our country is to heal its party divisions, and make them on people (p. 80)."

"I sincerely pray that all the members of the human family may, in the time prescribed by the Father of us all, find themselves securely established in the enjoyment of life, liberty, and happiness. Every human being has an interest in the happiness and prosperity of every other (p. 80)."

"On entering the gate of heaven, we leave those badges of religious schism behind, and find ourselves united in those principles only in which God has united us all. Let us not be uneasy then about the different roads we may pursue...but, following, the guidance of a good conscience, let us be happy in the hope that by these different paths we shall all meet in the end (p. 81)."

"I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past (p. 85)."

"The varieties in the structure and action of the human mind, as in those of the body, are the work of our Creator, against which it cannot be a religious duty to erect the standard of uniformity (p. 86)."

"Ignorance and bigotry, like other insanities, are incapable of self-government (p. 86)."

"It is very difficult to persuade the great body of mankind to give up what they have once learned, and are now masters of, for something to be learnt anew. Time alone insensibly wears down old habits, and produces small changes at long intervals, and to this process we must all accommodate ourselves, and be content to follow those who will not follow us (p. 87)."

"The most fortunate of us, in our journey through life, frequently meet with calamities and misfortunes which may greatly afflict us; and to, fortify our minds against the attacks of these calamities and misfortunes, should be one of the principle studies and endeavors of our lives. The only method of doing this is to assume a perfect resignation to the Divine will, to consider that whatever does happen, must happen; and that, by our uneasiness, we cannot prevent the blow before it does fall, but we may add to its force after it has fallen. My principle is to do whatever is right, and leave the consequences to Him who has the disposal of them (p. 87)."

"Who, then, can so softly bind up the wound of another, as he who has felt the same wound himself (p. 87)?"

"Every human mind feels pleasure in doing good to another (p. 91).”

“I deem it the duty of every man to devote a certain portion of his income for charitable purposes; and that it is his further duty to see it so applied as to do the most good of which it is capable. Take more pleasure in giving what is best to another than in having it for yourself, and then all the world will love you. We should all e of one sect, doers of good, eschewers of evil (p. 91).”

“In little disputes with your companions, give way rather than insist on trifles, for their love and the approbation of others will be worth more to you than the trifle to dispute. Try to let everybody’s faults be forgotten, as you would wish yours to be (p. 93).”

“There are no mysteries in the public administration. Difficulties indeed sometimes arise; but common sense and honest intentions will generally steer through them, and, where they cannot be surmounted, I have ever seen the well-intentioned part of our fellow citizens sufficiently disposed not to look for impossibilities (p. 96).”

“I am happy to find that you are on good terms with your neighbors. It is almost the most important circumstance in life, since nothing is so corroding as frequently to meet persons with whom one has any difference. The ill-will of a single neighbor is an immense drawback on the happiness of life, and therefore their goodwill cannot be bought too dear (p. 98).”

“Friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life; and thanks to a benevolent arrangement of things, the greater part of life is sunshine (p. 98).”

“An honest heart being the first blessing, a knowing head is the second. Lose no moment in improving your head, nor any opportunity of exercising your heart in benevolence. Be you the link of love, union, and peace for the whole family. The world will give you the more credit for it, in proportion to the difficulty of the task, and your own happiness will be the greater as you perceive that you promote that of others (p. 98).”

“In truth, politeness is artificial good humor; it covers the natural wants of it, and ends by rendering habitual a substitute nearly equivalent to the real virtue. It is the practice of sacrificing to those whom we meet in society, all the little conveniences and preferences which will gratify them, and deprive us of nothing worth a moment’s consideration; it is the giving a pleasing and flattering turn to our expressions, which will conciliate others, and make them pleased with us as well as themselves. How cheap a price for the good will of another (p. 100)!”

“Never be angry with anybody, nor speak harm of them (p. 101).”

“Nothing gives one person so great an advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances (p. 103).”

"Never trouble another for what you can do yourself (p. 103).”

“Never buy what you do not want, because it is cheap… Never spend money before you have it (p. 104).”

“Peace, justice, and liberal intercourse with all the nations of the world, will, I hope, with all nations, characterize this commonwealth. I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power, the greater it will be (p. 104).”

“Man is a free agent. Virtue consists in, 1. Prudence. 2. Temperance. 3. Fortitude. 4. Justice (p. 106).”

“Wars and contentions, indeed, fill the pages of history with more matter. But more blessed is that nation whose silent course of happiness furnishes nothing for history to say. This is what I ambition for our own country (p. 109).”

“Be a listener only, keep within yourself, and endeavor to establish within yourself a habit of silence. I think one travels more usefully when alone, because he reflects more (p. 110).”

“Follow truth as the only safe guide, and eschew error, which bewilders us in one false consequence after another, in endless succession. He who knows nothing is nearer the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. It is always better to have no ideas than false ones; to believe nothing than to believe what is wrong (p. 112).”

“Almighty God hath created the mind free, and manifested His supreme will that free it shall remain by making it altogether insusceptible of restraint (p. 113).”

“Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and oppressions of body and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day. If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be. No nation is permitted to live in ignorance with impunity (p. 114).”

“Peace is our passion. I have ever cherished the same spirit with all nations, from a consciousness that peace, prosperity, liberty, and morals, have an intimate connection.... Peace and justice should be the polar stars of the American societies. The happiness of mankind is best promoted b the useful pursuits of peace (p. 115).”

“1808 Declines a third term as President (p. 123).”

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the design of this book. It is a short and sweet introduction to the reasoning and thoughts of Thomas Jefferson. Instead of a biography where someone interprets the life of another, Mr. Petersen has carefully selected quotes from a wide variety of public and personal sources. These are then organized thematically and presented without further analysis.

There were only a couple of things which prevented me from enjoying this book even more and they are not the fault Mister Petersen.

First, I could not remove myself from view of the hypocrisy of speaking on the rights and freedom of all men at this point of history where we overran the Native Americans with our manifest destiny.

Second, and less distracting, the vocabulary from over 200 years ago is sufficiently estranged from modern vernacular that I was querulous regarding some passages.

In spite of these detriments there are many fine examples of the keen mind and flawless reason that inspired the founding of this great nation. It is almost surprising how relevant some of them seem even today. Allow me to conclude with one of my favorites.

"I served with General Washington in the legislature of Virginia, before the revolution, and , during it, with Dr. (Benjamin) Franklin in Congress. I never heard either of them speak ten minutes at a time, nor to any but the main point, which was to decide the question. They laid their shoulders to the great points, knowing that the little ones would follow of themselves. Speeches of sententious brevity, using not a word to spare, leave not a moment of inattention to the hearer. Amplification is the vice of modern oratory. It is an insult to an assembly of reasonable men, disgusting and revolting instead of persuading. Speeches measured by the hour, die by the hour."

So, to stay toot sweet, I will retain this book for future reference and I encourage you to read it!

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent thoughts from a brilliant mind! An amazing tribute to and gift from the author of The Declaration of Independence. Give this a read; you'll be glad you did. Happy Birthday America!

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really wish Thomas Jefferson was alive today and was a part of the political discourse. Here is a man who was SOS, VP and 3rd President of the US. Here is a man who speaks from the mind and the heart with wisdom and grace. Never an unkind word or pushing an agenda. Jefferson actually abhorred people who had an agenda. Do yourself a favor and if you want to know how far our political parties have fallen from their original intents, TJ will make you wish we could return to a time of reason and service towards your country towards the betterment of all it's citizens and not to enrich one self.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

During a time of adversity when our country tends to play the blame game and government officials forget who they work for, this is a great reminder of the virtues and principals Our country was founded on. Thomas Jefferson, despite is personal affairs, has wise words of wisdom we need to reflect on to help keep us humble, grateful, kind, respectful, and patriotic.

[Калоян Захариев · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Светлина и свобода" представлява сборник от извадки от писма на Джеферсън, групирано по различни теми.
Интересно е, но все пак далеч по-интересно биха били да бъдат публикувани целите документи, но тогава книгата щеше да е с доста по-сериозни обем.
Все пак досега с мислите на велик човек като Джеферсън е интересен и определено си струва цялото време, което може да се отдели.

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all the spiritual wisdom and plain thinking of Jefferson’s thoughts, I cannot get past his treatment of slaves. How could he justify such an institution and yet speak to, ‘ Truth, Justice and Plain Dealing’. His words ring hollow to the 600 slaves he owned and never set free.

[Beka Altin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting editing job. Not quite smooth in some places which disrupts the essay-esque style.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part two of the trilogy on Jefferson I read after being at Monticello. Eric Petersen takes excepts from multiple writings of Jefferson and groups them in topics for an "essay" of his thoughts. Very interesting.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

I <3 TJ. This is basically just a compilation of some quotations of his that have been categorized.

[Carrie Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could change your outlook on life, but will certainly inspire you.

[David Rosage · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that gives great insight into one of the greatest men who ever lived.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

note: I liked this book before Will Smith did