How Did Thomas Jefferson Contribute During The Enlightenment?
The Age of Enlightenment marks a time where individuals went against the standards of their society. They introduced new ideas, ones that challenged the mindsets of their authorities. Because of this, these “enlightened” thinkers revolutionized their communities. One influential individual of this category is Thomas Jefferson. In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson denounces the control the British had on the american colonies and urges his fellow countrymen to stand up for their rights. He is viewed as an important enlightened thinker because he put the values of freedom and equality in a higher category than the traditional lines of authority during that time. This is why he is considered one of the most important persons during the
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Although he did much to install revolutionary thinking in a young America, his ideas still resonate today. In his article, “Thomas Jefferson: Minister of Enlightenment”, Daniel Callaway explains just how deeply today’s society is affected by Jefferson. He states, “Jefferson embodied many qualities of the movement that history decided to call the Enlightenment. However, when we look beyond the terms -- natural law, unalienable rights, reason -- we see that all of Jefferson’s wok and thought depends upon the foundation of freedom. Jefferson and the Enlightenment affect our perceptions deeply today...we still believe that man and his institutions can change, that social and political problems can be remedied rather than endured, that the goal of human life is self-realization here below, and that the future is an opportunity” (Callaway 3). This statement not only explains the great contributions Jefferson had made, but it also describes the goal of every Enlightenment thinker. Each one had the goal to change their society, to express an idea that has not been implemented or to challenge one that no longer applies. This is why the Age of Enlightenment was such an important time for the world; for it opened the doors to free-will and independent thinking and it also was the stepping stones to human progression. As a result, Thomas Jefferson fits perfectly in this
Although he did much to install revolutionary thinking in a young America, his ideas still resonate today. In his article, “Thomas Jefferson: Minister of Enlightenment”, Daniel Callaway explains just how deeply today’s society is affected by Jefferson. He states, “Jefferson embodied many qualities of the movement that history decided to call the Enlightenment. However, when we look beyond the terms -- natural law, unalienable rights, reason -- we see that all of Jefferson’s wok and thought depends upon the foundation of freedom. Jefferson and the Enlightenment affect our perceptions deeply today...we still believe that man and his institutions can change, that social and political problems can be remedied rather than endured, that the goal of human life is self-realization here below, and that the future is an opportunity” (Callaway 3). This statement not only explains the great contributions Jefferson had made, but it also describes the goal of every Enlightenment thinker. Each one had the goal to change their society, to express an idea that has not been implemented or to challenge one that no longer applies. This is why the Age of Enlightenment was such an important time for the world; for it opened the doors to free-will and independent thinking and it also was the stepping stones to human progression. As a result, Thomas Jefferson fits perfectly in this