Letter from the Editor
Most
in my acquaintance fondly wish to see the standard
of our country raised to the level set by her founders.
Nowhere is that lofty standard more beautifully and
powerfully articulated than in the writings of Thomas
Jefferson. I have for some years immersed myself in his
ennobling thought. Here was born and here breathes the
vision of America we treasure, the light that has steadily
guided the progress of the world to this day.
Light and Liberty: Reflections on the Pursuit of
Happiness is a unique book of upliftment. In undertaking
this project, my goal was to make Jefferson approachable
and his penetrating insight easily assimilable for
Americans today. There are 34 short chapters. Each
is a monogram on a universally acknowledged virtue
or good quality, and is comprised solely of Thomas
Jefferson's words. Because the text was drawn mostly
from Jefferson's 20,000 letters, the tenor of the whole
is personal as well as philosophical. The resulting
synthesis, expressed in his clear and elegant style,
can be read and re-read without losing its capacity
to refresh. The book's brevity amplifies its power.
The wisdom in this work is practical as well as inspirational.
Reading it you will naturally feel, as Jefferson's correspondents
surely did, that you are receiving wise counsel from
a close friend. Individual essays can be read and reflected
on in short sittings compatible with modern reading habits.
Quotations can be selected with ease from the abundance
assembled here. Teachers can employ Light and Liberty
as an instructional resource. Political, religious,
media, academic, business and other leaders can use it
for quick reference or contemplation. Light and Liberty will
help students, particularly high school and junior high
school students, form their world view on a solid foundation.
General readers will gain new respect and appreciation
for one of history's greatest thinkers, leaders and humanitarians.
Americans have a warm regard for Thomas Jefferson because
of his indispensable contributions to our country and
his optimistic view of the future of humanity. Light
and Liberty holds the expansive power of his light.
It is Jefferson's guide to the pursuit of lasting happiness
on a personal level, and at the same time offers a pathway
to the rediscovery of what is best in our civic and national
life. All who wish to see a full restoration of the hope
and promise of America and a return to its founding principles
will, I trust, delight in this compact volume and draw
inspiration from the timeless truths it holds.
Liberty is freedom from coercion. Light is freedom from
ignorance. Light and liberty, as Thomas Jefferson often
wisely observed, indeed go together.
Eric
S. Petersen
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