Thomas Jefferson

1743–1826

Founding Father and third U.S. president, chief author of the Declaration of Independence Show bio

Bio

Thomas Jefferson copied sayings and quotations into a notebook from about age 15 to 30. He wasted his first college year on parties, then committed to studying fifteen hours a day. Jefferson met the ideas of British thinkers such as John Locke and Isaac Newton at college.

He defended an enslaved client by arguing that everyone is born with a right to liberty. Jefferson lost when the judge cut him off, but wrote the idea into the Declaration of Independence.

He later became president and doubled the size of the United States with the Louisiana Purchase.

Book by Thomas Jefferson

  1. The Declaration of Independence
    1776

    This public declaration explains why thirteen American colonies chose to break from British rule. Its complaints against King George III include his refusal to approve laws needed for the public good.

    6 min reading time