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This is a great example of a common pattern with Jefferson: He articulates a strong position of principle, offering arguments that none have successfully count
by apotheon 15y ago
This is a great example of a common pattern with Jefferson:
He articulates a strong position of principle, offering arguments that none have successfully countered and that, frankly, I'm not sure anyone can reasonably counter. Next, he says ". . . but a couple of people I know disagree with this, so I'll just give in." It's maddening. It is as if MLK had finished his "I have a dream!" speech with the words ". . . but I guess if society regards black people as inferior, I'm probably wrong."
- Estragon 15y agoWhat do you expect from a man who advocated for liberty, yet kept hundreds of slaves to maintain his way of life? He lacked the courage of his convictions.
- repsilat 15y agoThis is well demonstrated in the Louisiana purchase - Jefferson believed he didn't have the constitutional authority to make it happen, but went through with it against that judgement because he figured the ends justified the means (in this instance, at least).