Bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson stands in front of the Rotunda of the University of Virginia.

Lifelong Learning

“ The bulk of mankind are school boys thro’ life.”
Thomas Jefferson, 1818

Lifelong Education: Jefferson never lost his curiosity to know more.

Jefferson's formal education set the stage for his enduring belief that "Knowledge indeed is a desirable, a lovely possession."

Jefferson's Formal Education The Wren Building at the College of William and Mary.

Jefferson collected books on every subject, including works of fiction and non-fiction, all with a view that "free inquiry must be indulged."

Jefferson and Books Antique books illustrating titles owned by Thomas Jefferson on a shelf in the Library at Monticello.

Jefferson observed "the letters of a person, especially of one whose business has been chiefly transacted by letters, form the only full and genuine journal of his life."

"Drudging at the Writing Table" A small writing desk with two pens joined side-by-side on a bar joined to a pantograph apparatus consisting of hinged arms, rollers, and springs all supported by a wooden frame.
“ "The wise know their weakness too well to assume infallibility; and he who knows most, knows best how little he knows."”
-Thomas Jefferson, 1812

The School of Life

Jefferson's embrace of the Enlightenment philosophy strongly influenced his belief that human, political, and scientific progress was infinite.

Recorded Livestream: Jefferson and the Enlightenment An engraving by William J. Stone meant to be an exact replica of the original "embossed" version of the Declaration of Independence

Franklin's mentorship was a powerful influence in Jefferson's transformation to become the "Sage of Monticello" and America's leading advocate for expanding "useful knowledge."

Benjamin Franklin Joseph-Silfrede Duplessis's copy of a 1778 portrait of Benjamin Franklin by Jean Valade.

Benjamin Rush and Thomas Jefferson honed one another's thirst for knowledge in every field of inquiry.

Benjamin Rush Portrait of Dr. Benjamin Rush by Charles Willson Peale.
“ To give to every citizen the information he needs...to understand his duties to his neighbors and country...to know his rights...”
Thomas Jefferson, 1818

An Educated Electorate

Thomas Jefferson believed only educated citizens could make the American experiment in self-government succeed.

Explore Jefferson's Ideas

“ This institution will be based on the illimitable freedom of the human mind.”
Thomas Jefferson, 1820
Elevation drawing by John Neilson of the University of Virginia's Rotunda show the wings and two of the Pavilions.

University of Virginia

Thomas Jefferson, "father of the University of Virginia," designed the grounds to reflect his educational philosophy. Jefferson included it as one of three accomplishments for which he most wished to be remembered.

The University of Virginia Bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson stands in front of the Rotunda of the University of Virginia.

Jefferson's plans for a university in the central region of Virginia and architectural designs for an academic village go back decades before the university's final establishment.

Timeline of the Founding of the University of Virginia View of the University of Virginia Rotunda from Monticello's North Terrace, with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background and modern Charlottesville buildings in foreground.

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