The Philosophies of Thomas Jefferson free essay sample

An examination of the social philosophies of the American founding father, Thomas Jefferson, focusing on his concept of natural aristocracy. This paper examines the concept of natural aristocracy by Thomas Jefferson. This concept laid the basis for the rest of his thoughts and teachings about the ideal society of early America. The writer shows how Jefferson viewed education, society and leaders and also mentions some of his writings. Thomas Jefferson most clearly explained his views on the natural aristocracy in 1813 in a letter to longtime friend and sometime rival John Adams. Like many of the founding fathers, Jefferson despised the European aristocracy, with their notions that leadership could be earned with gold or a distinguished family name. He felt that people should rise through the ranks of society on the basis of merit, hence his natural aristocracy. The hallmarks of the natural aristocrat, according to Jefferson, were virtue and talents. He added that body strength, good humor, politeness, and other accomplishments were auxiliary grounds of distinction (qtd. We will write a custom essay sample on The Philosophies of Thomas Jefferson or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page in The Founders Constitution). It was these natural aristocrats, he believed, who should lead a free country like the newly born United States of America (Thomas Jefferson Biography).