In his November 4, 1814 letter to John Adams, Thomas Jefferson explores the enduring influence of Enlightenment philosophy on American institutions. He credits the era’s thinkers—Locke, Montesquieu, and others—with providing the intellectual foundation for a government based on liberty, equality, and reason. Jefferson contrasts the merit-based ideals of the new republic with Europe’s hereditary privileges, emphasizing the transformative power of free inquiry and education. He also warns of the need for constant vigilance in maintaining the Enlightenment’s legacy, as ignorance threatens even the most advanced nations. This thoughtful letter underscores Jefferson’s conviction that the pursuit of knowledge and the principles of the Enlightenment are essential for sustaining a just, democratic society.
