The collective knowledge of the Founding Fathers remains unrivaled. In their accumulative wisdom, there is much to be discovered on the basis of modern government; despite the majority of the origin of the philosophy which dates back hundreds of years. It is no different than studying classical music, literature, philosophy, etc. In fact, many of the Founders relied heavily on the aforementioned in their quest for achieving the best government structure possible.
It, therefore, stands to reason that we can learn much from a simple look into the thoughts of the creators of the most progressive country on the face of the Earth.
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was a very influential and known person in the origins of America. Being the author of the Declaration of Independence, he in many ways could be considered majoritively responsible for the most ambitious step towards a free country to ever be taken; as it fell on his shoulders to write the perfect address to King George. Specifically, Thomas Jefferson in his youth spent many a day reading philosophy in a range of manners, as well as, studying/participating in the Enlightenment movement. It is here that the famous philosophy of John Locke, an enlightened thinker and philosopher, was essential to the very foundation of America. As Jefferson famously wrote (of which John Locke originally penned),
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
It seems only adequate should we follow in Jefferson’s footsteps, to attribute the philosophy created in those early days of our Nation, to use the lessons as best as possible to make our country a better place in which to live.
I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical.
Thomas Jefferson, A Letter to James Madison
Jefferson, in this quote, perfectly introduces the basis of the idea of the Second Amendment and pressuring government. He felt very strongly about this idea, as shown in a letter to William Smith; which by chance, happens to hold the infamous ‘tree of liberty’ quote: “god forbid we should ever be 20 years without such a rebellion. the people cannot be all, & always, well informed. the part which is wrong will be discontented in proportion to the importance of the facts they misconceive; if they remain quiet under such misconceptions it is a lethargy, the forerunner of death to the public liberty. we have had 13. states independant 11. years. there has been one rebellion. that comes to one rebellion in a century & a half for each state. what country before ever existed a century & half without a rebellion? & what country can preserve it’s liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? let them take arms. the remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon & pacify them. what signify a few lives lost in a century or two? the tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots & tyrants.” It is astounding how relevant this quote and opinion is in today’s world. It appears as though many, both Democrats and Republicans have understood the idea of rightful democracy to only consist of peaceful protest. And while, yes, peaceful protest is the right way (usually), ultimately oftentimes, as Jefferson describes it, the tree of liberty must be refreshed with the blood of patriots and tyrants alike.
The bigger issue, however, is most certainly rooted in the quest for power the government has over the American people. Simply put, without any such rebellions as stated above, the government will feel a lenient hand; as if we are accepting the hungry political parties grabbing that very power at every possibility. The issue with today’s modern political and government world is any “rebellion” is considered an affront to democracy; as if by asserting your rights and duty stated in the Declaration of Independence, you are actively becoming the enemy of the American people and violating the American tradition/values. The perfect example of this would be the January 6th event (and the BLM riots and protests). Simply put, these people felt as though it was their duty to speak their minds and take action (which it is). In many cases it became violent, yet, have we forgotten the history of the world and of our own country? Violence is not always the answer, but to act as if this is somehow treason and un-American, is simply wrong, whether or not you agree with their decisions or opinions. To think otherwise would be intentionally ignoring that which is known; America’s founding was not at any time peaceful. It stands to reason that in modern politics, the difference between treason and independence or proper rebellion is a very small line conceived by public opinion (and perhaps government opinion).
The freedom of the press has always been a key component to the foundation of the preservation of liberty. Yet, as history knows, with examples like yellow journalism, the media can be heavily construed and abused. As Jefferson points out, (something which many of us may already agree with),
To your request of my opinion of the manner in which a newspaper should be conducted so as to be most useful, I should answer ‘by restraining it to true facts & sound principles only.’ yet I fear such a paper would find few subscribers.
Letter to John Norvell
Yet, he does not stop there. In many ways, the words he uses to describe newspapers and journalism then in 1807, can directly be reused today. As he continues to say, “it is a melancholy truth that a suppression of the press could not more compleatly deprive the nation of it’s benefits, than is done by it’s abandoned prostitution to falsehood. nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper. truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle. the real extent of this state of misinformation is known only to those who are in situations to confront facts within their knolege with the lies of the day.” The “fake news” mantra could not be more fitting. Whether or not it is used correctly one hundred percent of the time (or to the degree of politics), the act of media misinformation is still put in the spotlight. It can also be concluded from this quote alone, that the importance of education is monumental. Achieving higher education and wisdom in general practice is practically a requirement for critical thinking. Without having all the facts, no matter the situation, we will always be more wrong in our conclusions.
Thomas Jefferson also had many other first-hand accounts of the misuse of the newspapers, or as he named: “gazetteers”. In the above-mentioned letter to William Smith in 1787, Jefferson briefly writes about the British ministry and in their use of propaganda. “the British ministry have so long hired their gazetteers to repeat and model into every form lies about our being in anarchy, that the world has at length believed them, the English nation has believed them, the ministers themselves have come to believe them, & what is more wonderful, we have believed them ourselves.” It is astounding how relevant the commonality of propaganda throughout time. Despite there being little evidence to support this supposed anarchy, the entire world thought it to be true. “yet where does this anarchy exist? where did it ever exist, except in the single instance of Massachusets?” It, therefore, remains, not only based on current events but also that of the past, that people should be educated and not take media for face value. The world of journalism has always been corrupted by ambitious people who put their morals aside to pursue power, money, and a story. Naturally, as is true in all cases of humanity, there are those who do not fit this description; yet, it would seem, more and more these characteristics become true every single day. The importance of research, independent research, is crucial to being a free people, as information is your freedom.
On a similar note, Jefferson references bigotry in another letter to John Adams in 1816. It has always been true that conversation, true free conversation, is the proper course for civil debate. In that, by allowing and participating in such, we become more successful in our political campaigns on all sides. One such instance exists in the inability of opponent political advocates to have a debate. Oftentimes, many insulting names are thrown at both parties, including (often from left-wing adversaries) “bigot”. Yet, frequently, those who are referring to others as bigots are in fact the true bigot.
Bigotry is the disease of ignorance, of morbid minds; enthusiasm of the free and buoyant. education & free discussion are the antidotes of both.
Letter to John Adams, 1816
The importance of freedom and liberty was obvious to not only Thomas Jefferson but also the majority of the founding fathers and colonials. On many occasions, the idea of liberty and freedom has been famously quoted to its severity and paramount; such as the famous “give me liberty or give me death!” quote by Patrick Henry in 1775.
Jefferson, likewise, shared many similar notions regarding the most crucial importance of liberty that it is not infringed upon or downplayed. As Jefferson conveyed in a letter to James Madison, “Malo periculosam, libertatem quam quietam servitutem.” This Latin phrase is most commonly translated to:
I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery.
Thomas Jefferson, Letter to James Madison
The very opinionated meaning of this quote is obvious. Jefferson believes it is wrong to give up fundamental rights of liberty and freedom for a small sense of security/peace. This, though, is greatly evident to the Second Amendment, as to protect and prevent a forceful peace that is not rooted at all in freedom.
In many ways, the Declaration of Independence alone can speak to the resolve of Thomas Jefferson and of the Founders; as it was written to convey the principles and thoughts of all Americans and Congress. Furthermore, it provides clear fundamental principles and philosophy that precursed the foundation of our nation. A quick look into this document, singularly, can provide so much clear advice and teach many lessons. Beyond this exists a plethora of important lessons that are numbered so highly that it would take a multitude of books to cover them all.