Thomas Jefferson Book

I hadn't realized the extent to which Thomas Jefferson was influential in the creation of America as we know it today. From the American revolution in the 1770's through the founding of the University of Virginia, with such accomplishments along the way as author of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights and 2 terms as the third president of the United States, he did more to shape this country than nearly anyone else. He was not a politician per se; he was an idealist and a man who loved learning. He also provided
the books for the first real Congressional Library. He was quite an individual, truly a Founding Father of our country.

I wanted to include a couple of quotes from Patrick Henry, that amazing orator, during the time the colonies were still British, 1774.

Speaking to a Congress of the colonies held in Philadelphia,

"Where are your landmarks, your boundaries of Colonies? We are in a state of Nature, Sir.....The distinction between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers and New Englanders are no more. I am not a Virginian, but an American."

That quote actually brought tears to my eyes.

Now here is where the liberty or death quote comes from, Patrick Henry again,

"Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God!I know not what course others may take; but as for me....give me liberty or give me death!

Of course the British didn't have the colonies in slavery or chains, they were quite reasonable to the colonies actually. And yes, life is dear and peace is sweet. But these fiery words certainly apply when a country is at war fighting those who destroy liberty.

Thomas Jefferson had the gift of writing, Patrick Henry had the gift of speech.