Thomas Jefferson and the 7 Doctrines - Essay Example

Thomas Jefferson and the DoctrinesThe history of America has been shaped by ideas and dreams of several people. Moreover, ideas generally shape America politics and political holder’s campaign by selling their ideas. Thomas Jefferson ideas have influenced America for a long period. He was a great publisher and author and a good orator. Quotation of Jefferson work has been a routine in America mostly by the scholars. He was a farmer and generally had a heart for the oppressed. He practiced several field of learning and perfected on them.

Jefferson was a rationalist. He pursued democracy in various fields and institution (Ellis 58-65). This paper seeks to use four doctrines in explaining the philosophy of Thomas Jefferson.Doctrines1) Reason is the most significant and positive capacity of the human; Jefferson knew without proper knowledge and understanding of the world one had no inherent capacity to have rational thought. Consequently, he read widely and on various fields to understand the world and nature. The zeal to read more was because of encouragement from contemporaries.

Such people include Franklin. He also read development of science, English history, English tradition, and liberalistic ideas in French revolution. Jefferson learnt from these people and gained understanding that he used in democratization of America (Perkins−Perkins 152). Additionally, Jefferson in his declaration for independence makes several arguments on why Britain should grant the colonies independence. Such issue include immigration, abolishment of law and unwarranted control (Perkins−Perkins 155) .

Furthermore, he says, “any opinion should be tolerated and only reasoning can be allowed to judge that opinion” (Perkins−Perkins 157).2) Reason enables one to break free from primitive, dogmatic, and superstitious beliefs holding one in the bonds of irrationality and ignoranceEducation plays a significant role in wiping out ignorance in society. Jefferson dreams and ideas was to have a society of enlightened people. He knew fighting ignorance would a good recipe in librating people in various spheres.

Consequently, to reduce the level of ignorance in society he established a national library. Furthermore, this library was adopted as the library of congress. Jefferson on his inaugural speech calls the people to move away from the notion that they cannot express their views. He says, “that they are not accustomed to speak and write what they think but now have a chance to change perception” (Perkins−Perkins 156).5) Reason makes all humans equal and, therefore, deserving of equal liberty and treatment before the law;Jefferson persistence on fighting for equality is evident in his life and careers undertakings.

His fight for equality and aristocratic inclination cost him presidency that went to John Adams. Moreover, he was against the federal government exercising total control of the state government. His fight on equality is amplified during his speech on declaration of independence, “That all men are created equal and their creator has granted them certain rights that includes life, liberty and quest of happiness” (Perkins−Perkins 153) .Additionally, he claims that the citizens have power vested on them to change any government that denies them their rights.

Jefferson cites the tyranny imposed on them by the colonial masters such as failure to assent laws that were bound to guarantee for their freedom and equality. Moreover, Jefferson is against judge’s selective ruling and wants laws to treat all equal. He further propounds that minority have their own liberty and any deviation amount to oppression. His beliefs that a successful government can only exist if man is treated equally before the law.6) Beliefs of any sort should be accepted only on the basis of reason, and not on traditional or priestly authority; and Jefferson was a strong proponent of religious freedom and freedom of worship.

He believed that no one had authority on curtailing individual freedom of worship. Jefferson authored the bill that called for establishment of religious freedom and successfully implemented in 1786 (Perkins−Perkins 152). In his inaugural speech Jefferson declares, “That religious intolerance should not exist in an independent state” (Perkins−Perkins 157). He calls for a difference in opinion to exist but not based on principle. His beliefs religions impose good values in society.In conclusion, it is now clear that Jefferson transformed the life and believes of American people.

Works CitedEllis, Joseph. “American sphinx: the character of Thomas Jefferson.” New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1997. Print.Perkins−Perkins. “Selections from American Literature Part Introduction Reason and Revolution.” New York: The McGraw−Hill Companies, 2007. Print.