Thomas Jefferson: A Stoic in the White House?

Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, was a man of the Enlightenment, deeply influenced by a variety of philosophical traditions. While he never explicitly identified himself as a Stoic, there are aspects of his thought and writing that suggest he was influenced by Stoic philosophy. But what is Stoicism, and how did it manifest in Jefferson's life and work?

Stoicism is a philosophy that originated in ancient Greece and was later popularized in Rome. It emphasizes the cultivation of virtue and wisdom, the acceptance of things outside of one's control, and the importance of living in accordance with nature and reason. The Stoics believed that by focusing on these principles, one could achieve a state of tranquility and fulfillment, regardless of external circumstances.

Acceptance of Things Outside of One's Control

One of the key tenets of Stoicism is the acceptance of things outside of one's control. In a letter to John Adams in 1816, Jefferson wrote, "The art of life is the art of avoiding pain; and he is the best pilot, who steers clearest of the rocks and shoals with which it is beset." This sentiment aligns with the Stoic belief that we should focus on what we can control (our own actions and responses) and accept what we cannot (the actions of others, the world around us).

Jefferson's words reflect a deep understanding of the human condition and the challenges that life presents. His advice to steer clear of life's "rocks and shoals" is a call to navigate life's difficulties with wisdom and equanimity, a key Stoic principle.

Cultivation of Virtue

"It is the manners and spirit of a people which preserve a republic in vigor. A degeneracy in these is a canker which soon eats to the heart of its laws and constitution."

Another central tenet of Stoicism is the cultivation of virtue. In his "Notes on the State of Virginia," Jefferson wrote, "It is the manners and spirit of a people which preserve a republic in vigor. A degeneracy in these is a canker which soon eats to the heart of its laws and constitution."

This emphasis on the importance of personal virtue for the health of the state aligns with Stoic beliefs about the central role of virtue in a good life. For the Stoics, virtue was not just about personal morality, but also about contributing to the common good. Jefferson's words reflect this belief in the power of virtue to sustain a republic.

Living in Accordance with Nature and Reason

Stoics believed in living in accordance with nature and reason. In a letter to Peter Carr in 1787, Jefferson advised, "Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear."

This emphasis on reason aligns with the Stoic belief that we should strive to live in accordance with nature and reason. For the Stoics, reason was the highest faculty of the human mind, and it should guide our actions and beliefs. Jefferson's advice to Carr reflects this commitment to reason and inquiry.

Jefferson and Stoicism: Emotional Resilience

Stoicism teaches emotional resilience and endurance in the face of hardship. In a letter to his daughter Martha in 1787, Jefferson wrote, "The habit of suffering without complaining...is the lesson of patience and the most necessary of all at this day." This aligns with the Stoic belief in enduring hardship without complaint.

Jefferson's words to his daughter reflect a Stoic-like understanding of the value of patience and resilience. For the Stoics, hardship was not something to be avoided, but rather a part of life to be endured with dignity and grace.

Influences and learning

Thomas Jefferson was a voracious reader and had a vast personal library, which he eventually sold to the United States government to form the core of the Library of Congress after the original was burned during the War of 1812. His library contained a wide range of works, including many on philosophy.

While there are no direct records of Jefferson reading specific Stoic texts, it's likely that he was familiar with Stoic philosophy. Stoic ideas were widely disseminated in the works of other philosophers and writers that Jefferson is known to have read. For example, the works of Cicero, a Roman statesman and philosopher who was influenced by Stoicism, were part of Jefferson's library.

Furthermore, the Enlightenment period, in which Jefferson was a key figure, saw a revival of interest in classical philosophy, including Stoicism. It's therefore likely that Jefferson would have been exposed to Stoic ideas through his wide-ranging reading and intellectual pursuits.

However, it's important to note that while Jefferson may have been influenced by Stoic ideas, he was also influenced by a variety of other philosophical traditions, including Epicureanism and the Enlightenment ideals of reason and liberty. His thought cannot be neatly categorized into any one philosophical tradition.

The Louisiana Purchase

The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 was a major land acquisition that doubled the size of the United States. Jefferson, recognizing the strategic value of the Louisiana territory for the future growth and security of the nation, made the decision to purchase the land from France. This decision, however, presented a constitutional dilemma for Jefferson, who was unsure if the Constitution provided him the authority to make such a purchase.

"The less we use our power, the greater it will be."

A Stoic perspective might have influenced Jefferson's decision. Stoicism emphasizes the importance of reason and practical wisdom. Jefferson, in a letter to John Breckinridge, wrote, "The less we use our power, the greater it will be." This quote reflects a Stoic-like understanding of the use of power and the importance of strategic decision-making.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition

In 1804, Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the newly acquired western territory. Stoicism teaches that we should strive to understand the world around us through reason and observation. Jefferson's interest in the natural world and his desire to gain knowledge about the new territories align with this Stoic principle.

In a letter to Meriwether Lewis, Jefferson wrote, "The object of your mission is to explore the Missouri river, & such principal stream of it, as, by its course and communication with the waters of the Pacific ocean...may offer the most direct & practicable water communication across this continent, for the purposes of commerce." This reflects Jefferson's Stoic-like focus on practical wisdom and his desire to understand and navigate the natural world.

The Embargo Act: International Politics

The Embargo Act of 1807, which halted all foreign trade, was a controversial decision that had significant economic consequences. Faced with the belligerence of foreign powers like Britain and France, Jefferson chose a path of economic resistance over military confrontation. This decision could be seen as a Stoic response, accepting the realities of international politics and focusing on a response within his control.

In his 1808 Message to Congress, Jefferson wrote, "To such, therefore, of our fellow-citizens as dwell on the Atlantic coast, or in the interior, where foreign merchandise can be received, was the measure most immediately painful." This quote reflects a Stoic-like acceptance of the difficulties of the situation and a focus on the actions within his control.

The Burr Conspiracy

When former Vice President Aaron Burr was accused of plotting to establish an independent country in the center of North America, Jefferson had him arrested and tried for treason. Stoicism emphasizes justice and duty, and Jefferson's actions could be seen as an embodiment of these principles.

In a letter to George Hay, Jefferson wrote, "The case of Burr is very different; ours is the case of a principal who dares not avow his purposes, or even his name." Jefferson had a commitment to justice and the rule of law, principles that align with Stoic philosophy.

A Thought Experiment

Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and one of the nation's founding fathers, was a man of profound intellect and foresight. His ideas and principles have shaped the United States in countless ways. But what would Jefferson think if he could see the country today?

Democracy in the United States

Jefferson was a staunch advocate for democracy and believed in the power of the people to govern themselves. He once wrote, "I know no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves." Given the expansion of voting rights and the increased diversity in political representation over the years, Jefferson would likely be pleased with these developments. However, he might also be concerned about the polarization and partisanship that characterizes modern politics, as he was a proponent of unity and compromise.

Education

Jefferson believed strongly in the power of education as a means of preserving liberty. He famously said, "An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people." Today, with the advent of the internet and the unprecedented access to information it provides, Jefferson would likely be fascinated and encouraged. However, he might also be concerned about the disparities in educational opportunities and the challenges of misinformation in the digital age.

On Civil Rights

Jefferson's record on civil rights is complex. While he wrote in the Declaration of Independence that "all men are created equal," he was also a slave owner. It's difficult to say how he would react to the progress made in civil rights, from the end of segregation to the legalization of same-sex marriage. One might hope that he would be pleased with these strides towards realizing the ideals he wrote about, even as we acknowledge the contradictions in his own life.

Globalization

In Jefferson's time, the United States was a young nation carving out its place in the world. Today, it's a global superpower. Jefferson, who was wary of entangling alliances, might be concerned about the complexities of modern international relations. However, he might also see the potential for the United States to be a force for good in the world, echoing his belief in the power of American ideals.

"I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past."

Speculating on what Jefferson would think of modern America is, of course, just that - speculation. However, by looking at his writings and actions, we can gain some insight into how his principles might be applied today. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, we can look to Jefferson's wisdom for guidance, even as we acknowledge the ways in which his views were a product of his time. As Jefferson himself wrote, "I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past." It's a sentiment that encourages us to learn from our history while always striving for a better future.