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Literary
June 11, 1937
The Key West Citizen
Key West, Monroe County, Florida
What is this article about?
Biographical note on Thomas Jefferson's self-composed epitaph, highlighting his prioritization of contributions to liberty—authoring the Declaration of Independence, Virginia's religious freedom statutes, and founding the University of Virginia—over his extensive political career.
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Full Text
JEFFERSON'S EPITAPH
Thomas Jefferson's dominating trait was his love of liberty, and it was as a champion of human freedom that he desired to be known to posterity. This was illustrated by his epitaph, written by himself for inscription upon his tomb:
"Here is buried Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence; and of the statutes of Virginia for religious freedom; and father of the University of Virginia."
No reference is made to his services as governor of Virginia, member of Congress, minister to France, secretary of state, vice-president and twice president of the United States. In his own estimation his services in the cause of liberty stood above all these.
Freedom of government, freedom of education were the paramount objectives of his life, as epitomized in his epitaph.
Born an aristocrat, Thomas Jefferson became the ardent defender of the masses and one of the greatest exponents of human liberty the world has ever known.
Thomas Jefferson's dominating trait was his love of liberty, and it was as a champion of human freedom that he desired to be known to posterity. This was illustrated by his epitaph, written by himself for inscription upon his tomb:
"Here is buried Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence; and of the statutes of Virginia for religious freedom; and father of the University of Virginia."
No reference is made to his services as governor of Virginia, member of Congress, minister to France, secretary of state, vice-president and twice president of the United States. In his own estimation his services in the cause of liberty stood above all these.
Freedom of government, freedom of education were the paramount objectives of his life, as epitomized in his epitaph.
Born an aristocrat, Thomas Jefferson became the ardent defender of the masses and one of the greatest exponents of human liberty the world has ever known.
What sub-type of article is it?
Essay
What themes does it cover?
Liberty Freedom
Political
Religious
What keywords are associated?
Jefferson Epitaph
Liberty Champion
Declaration Independence
Religious Freedom
University Virginia
Human Freedom
Literary Details
Title
Jefferson's Epitaph
Key Lines
"Here Is Buried Thomas Jefferson, Author Of The Declaration Of Independence; And Of The Statutes Of Virginia For Religious Freedom; And Father Of The University Of Virginia."