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Letter to Editor
October 3, 1825
The Virginian
Lynchburg, Virginia
What is this article about?
Newspaper reprint of Thomas Jefferson's letter to Robert Owen, praising the moral and philanthropic principles of Owen's communal society pamphlet but arguing it suits only small groups, not large nations like the US; advocates education as the path to human improvement and happiness.
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OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Owen.-The following letter, which we find in the Philadelphia Chronicle, from Mr. JEFFERSON, shows the favorable light in which that philosopher views the new system of society, introduced by Mr. Owen :
MONTICELLO, Oct. 22, 18-.
Sir : I return thanks for the pamphlet you have been so kind as to send me on the subject of Commonwealths. Its moral principles meet entire approbation, its philanthropy especially, and its views on the equal rights of man. That on the principle of a communion of property, in small societies, may exist in habits of virtue, order, industry, and peace: consequently, in a state of as much happiness as heaven has been pleased to deal out to imperfect humanity, I can readily conceive, and indeed have seen its proofs in various small societies, which have been constituted on that principle, but I do not feel authorized to conclude, from these, that an extended society like that of the United States, or of an individual state, could be governed happily on the same principle.
I look to the diffusion of light and education, as the resource most to be relied on, for ameliorating the condition, protecting the future, and advancing the happiness of man. That every man shall be made virtuous, by any process whatever is indeed no more to be expected than that every tree shall be made to bear fruit, and every plant nourishment-the briar and bramble can never become the vine and olive-but their asperities may be softened by culture, and their properties improved to usefulness in the order and economy of the world. And I do hope in the present spirit of extending to the great mass of mankind, the blessings of instruction. I see a prospect of great advancement in the happiness of the human race, and that this may proceed to an indefinite, although not to an infinite degree. Wishing every success to the way of your society which their hopes may promise, and thanking you most particularly for the kind expression of your letter towards myself. I salute you with assurances of great esteem and respect.
MONTICELLO, Oct. 22, 18-.
Sir : I return thanks for the pamphlet you have been so kind as to send me on the subject of Commonwealths. Its moral principles meet entire approbation, its philanthropy especially, and its views on the equal rights of man. That on the principle of a communion of property, in small societies, may exist in habits of virtue, order, industry, and peace: consequently, in a state of as much happiness as heaven has been pleased to deal out to imperfect humanity, I can readily conceive, and indeed have seen its proofs in various small societies, which have been constituted on that principle, but I do not feel authorized to conclude, from these, that an extended society like that of the United States, or of an individual state, could be governed happily on the same principle.
I look to the diffusion of light and education, as the resource most to be relied on, for ameliorating the condition, protecting the future, and advancing the happiness of man. That every man shall be made virtuous, by any process whatever is indeed no more to be expected than that every tree shall be made to bear fruit, and every plant nourishment-the briar and bramble can never become the vine and olive-but their asperities may be softened by culture, and their properties improved to usefulness in the order and economy of the world. And I do hope in the present spirit of extending to the great mass of mankind, the blessings of instruction. I see a prospect of great advancement in the happiness of the human race, and that this may proceed to an indefinite, although not to an infinite degree. Wishing every success to the way of your society which their hopes may promise, and thanking you most particularly for the kind expression of your letter towards myself. I salute you with assurances of great esteem and respect.
What sub-type of article is it?
Philosophical
Reflective
Informative
What themes does it cover?
Education
Morality
Social Issues
What keywords are associated?
Thomas Jefferson
Robert Owen
Communal Property
Social Reform
Education Diffusion
Human Happiness
What entities or persons were involved?
Mr. Jefferson
Sir
Letter to Editor Details
Author
Mr. Jefferson
Recipient
Sir
Main Argument
approves the moral principles and philanthropy of the communal property system in small societies but doubts its applicability to large nations like the united states; emphasizes diffusion of education as the key to improving human condition and happiness.
Notable Details
Communion Of Property In Small Societies
Analogy Of Briar And Bramble To Human Virtue
Hopes For Advancement Through Instruction