A part of my occupation, and by no means the least pleasing, is the direction of the studies of such young men as ask it. They place themselves in the neighboring village, and have the use of my library and counsel, and make a part of my society. In advising the course of their reading, I endeavor to keep their attention fixed on the main objects of all science, the freedom and happiness of man. So that coming to bear a share in the councils and government of their country, they will keep ever in view the sole objects of all legitimate government.
- - Thomas Jefferson in a letter to General Thaddeus Kosciusko, February 26, 1810.
Note: This passage is very often quoted in the abbreviated form, “The main objects of all science, the freedom and happiness of man… [are] the sole objects of all legitimate government.” An even further abbreviated form, which omits the first phrase, appears on a plaque on the stairway of the Statue of Liberty. I don’t know why people bother, though. The complete passage is much more intriguing. A bit of a reading recommendation from one of our founding fathers.
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