“His Creditors Were All Paid”…
“His Moral Character Was of the Highest Order”…
“He Detested Impiety”…
“Religion?…He believed that it was a matter solely of conscience ; and after thorough investigation , people were responsible for the righteousness, but not the rightfulness, of their opinions. He believed that the expression of his opinions might influence theirs, and he would not give it!”…
“His Precepts Were Those of Truth and Virtue”…
“In the Bosom of His Family”…where the beauty of his character was exhibited…
“He Spoke Only of the Good Qualities of Men”…
“The Friend of the Working Man”…
“His Powers of Conversation Were Great”…
“Methodical and Exact”…
“He Was a Gentleman Everywhere”…
“A Bold and Fearless Rider”…
“He Was a Miser of His Time”…
“He Died a Pure and Good Man”…
Facts in today’s post are insightful reflections on the life of Thomas Jefferson, written by his eldest grandson, Thomas Jefferson Randolph.
They are included in “The Real Thomas Jefferson”, compiled by Allison, Maxfield, Cook and Skousen, which can be ordered here: National Center for Constitutional Studies
author, Andy Allison
For many people, one of the more daunting issues in pursuing Leadership Education, is the realization that they don’t know what it “looks like.”
One of my intentions on this blog, is to make an honest attempt at marrying the “lofty, intellectual, and historical” with the “present day, how-do-I-do-this-and-what-does-it-look-like?” needs that everyday life presents in a “modern” culture.
I trust that this aspiration will work…
even though I will certainly have a need to readily acknowledge error from time to time.
In attempting the lofty pursuit of marrying these two worlds, I think that, as a mom, “Tommy” is more appropriate than “Thomas.”
Unless I were to become irritated, even angry with him…
Which is entirely possible in Leadership Education when attempting to dialogue with the greats.
But hey…
The fruit is on the tree.
He created the masterpiece of his life, the Declaration of Independence, at the young age of 33…
Served as governor of war-torn Virginia and once escaped British capture by only minutes…
Was one of the geniuses behind the American Constitution, even though he was serving in France during the Constitutional Convention…
Was a true Renaissance man, skilled in farming, scientific experimentation, practical invention, economics, political philosophy, and statesmanship…
“Tommy”…
A “nickname” for the greatness of “Thomas.”
I am a mom.
I can change the world from home…
Which has many given nicknames…”Pad”, “Crib,”Cave,” “Dump,” “Joint,” “Nest”…
None of which signify the true meaning of the word and its powerful ability to influence others from the grass roots level.
Then, to influence the culture…
And the country…
And the world…
“Tommy” indicates endearment…
Familiarity…
Perhaps, because he is the most prolific example of the outcome of a Leadership Education, I should be really familiar with Thomas…
Jefferson…
a very "GQ" look
I should speak with endearment…
With a familiar tone…
As if we’re on a first name basis…
Like I know him and the essence of his being…
It’s something I’m working on every day in my own educational pursuits…
I want to respect, revere, admire…
Without huge formalities…
Because then, I really know…
I am a mom…to five boys…each of which could be the next “Tommy”…
How about you?
Ed Winkler » Friday, January 8, 2010, 7:37 pm
Thank You! Very powerful words to ponder and live by!
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