Thomas Jefferson's Life and Accomplishments

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Thomas Jefferson was a man that would change his country and the way we live forever. He has led this country through some of its the hardest points in history. He exhibited aspects of intelligence, diligence, and most importantly, leadership, in every area of his life. He lived a life full of education, politics, and adventure. To better understand Thomas Jefferson, a person should examine his life story, his beliefs, and his leadership qualities.

The track to understanding Thomas Jefferson begins with examining his life story. Pious describes President Jefferson by saying, “Thomas Jefferson is considered by many to be the most intelligent man to occupy the White House. He was a scientist, architect, landscaper, lawyer, inventor, violinist, and philosopher.(135)” Thomas Jefferson’s life began at Shadwell Plantation in Goochland, VA on April 13, 1743. Thomas Jefferson lived with his wealthy family on their plantation in Virginia. His dad was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. At sixteen, Thomas Jefferson was taught by Reverend James Maury. This man taught Jefferson the educational and religious principles he would need for life (Rutland 47-48). At a gathering of Nobel Prize recipients at the White House, John F. Kennedy once said, “I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered together at the White House, with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone(Peters and Wolley).” This quote shows the value for education that Jefferson possesed. Jefferson attended William and Mary College in Virginia, but he dropped out to study law. In his lifetime, Jefferson also became a great architect. Jefferson designed and built his home at Mo...

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...Peters, Gerhard, and John T. Wooley. "John F. Kennedy: Remarks at a Dinner Honoring Nobel Prize Winners of the Western Hemisphere." John F. Kennedy: Remarks at a Dinner Honoring Nobel Prize Winners of the Western Hemisphere. The American Presidency Project, n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. .

Pious, Richard M. "Thomas Jefferson." The Young Oxford Companion to the Presidency of the United States. New York: Oxford UP, 1994. 135-38. Print.

Rutland, Robert A. ""Thomas Jefferson 1801-1809"" The Presidents. Vol. 1. Danbury: Grolier Educational, 1997. 47-69. Print.

Wilson, Richard L. “Jefferson, Thomas”. Facts on File. N.p., 2002. Web. 07 Mar. 2014.

""1799,""1800,""1801,""1802,""1803,""1804,""1805,""1806,""1807,""1808,""1809,""1810,""1811." The Annals of America. 1st ed. Vol. 4. Chicago, IL: Encyclopædia Britannica, 1976. 113+. Print

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