Thomas Jefferson
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created
equal; that they are endowed unalienable rights; that among these are life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." These famous lines of the Declaration
of Independence was written in the front parlor of a second floor rented
apartment by the American, Thomas Jefferson. These few words show what ideas
and beliefs Thomas Jefferson stood for, and how he continuously fought for these
words to become fulfilled in his country.
This powerful advocate of liberty was born in 1743 in Albermarle County,
Virginia. From his father he inherited some 5,000 acres of land, and from his
mother, a high social ranking. He studied at the College of William and Mary,
then read the law.
Thomas Jefferson was a man of many different talents. He knew several
languages, including Latin and Greek. He was an expert mathematician who was
even able to calculate when eclipses of the sun and moon would occur. He could
design buildings, perform medical operations like an experienced surgeon, survey
land, and play the violin. Despite his thinness, he was strong enough to tame a
wild horse and chop wood like a lumberjack. Most important of all, he was know
to be a superb writer.
Though surprisingly, Thomas Jefferson was not a man of many words. Not
known for his speaking abilities, he was shy and seldom spoke in public. When
delegates at the Congress gave long speeches, Thomas Jefferson oftentimes just
listened. John Adams said of Jefferson, "During the whole time I sat with him
in Congress, I never heard him utter three sentences together."
Instead, this Virginian contributed his pen rather than his voice to the
patriotic cause. Being known throughout the colonies as a fine writer on
political questions, he received the most votes to become the chairman of the
committee elected to write a Declaration of Independence. The other members of
the committee asked him to write a first draft of the... [continues]
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created
equal; that they are endowed unalienable rights; that among these are life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." These famous lines of the Declaration
of Independence was written in the front parlor of a second floor rented
apartment by the American, Thomas Jefferson. These few words show what ideas
and beliefs Thomas Jefferson stood for, and how he continuously fought for these
words to become fulfilled in his country.
This powerful advocate of liberty was born in 1743 in Albermarle County,
Virginia. From his father he inherited some 5,000 acres of land, and from his
mother, a high social ranking. He studied at the College of William and Mary,
then read the law.
Thomas Jefferson was a man of many different talents. He knew several
languages, including Latin and Greek. He was an expert mathematician who was
even able to calculate when eclipses of the sun and moon would occur. He could
design buildings, perform medical operations like an experienced surgeon, survey
land, and play the violin. Despite his thinness, he was strong enough to tame a
wild horse and chop wood like a lumberjack. Most important of all, he was know
to be a superb writer.
Though surprisingly, Thomas Jefferson was not a man of many words. Not
known for his speaking abilities, he was shy and seldom spoke in public. When
delegates at the Congress gave long speeches, Thomas Jefferson oftentimes just
listened. John Adams said of Jefferson, "During the whole time I sat with him
in Congress, I never heard him utter three sentences together."
Instead, this Virginian contributed his pen rather than his voice to the
patriotic cause. Being known throughout the colonies as a fine writer on
political questions, he received the most votes to become the chairman of the
committee elected to write a Declaration of Independence. The other members of
the committee asked him to write a first draft of the... [continues]
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