Light and Liberty: Reflections on the Pursuit of Happiness

by Thomas Jefferson

Book Overview

Were Thomas Jefferson alive to read this book, he would recognize every sentence, every elegant turn of phrase, every lofty, beautifully expressed idea. Indeed, every word in the book is his. In an astonishing feat of editing, Eric S. Petersen has culled the entirety of Thomas Jefferson's published works to fashion thirty-four original essays on themes ranging from patriotism and liberty to hope, humility, and gratitude. The result is a lucid, inspiring...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0812974328
• ISBN13: 9780812974324
• Release Date: June 2005
• Publisher: Kuperard
• Length: 154 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.1" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

A Jefferson book for all Americans

This is a book that all Americans should read now, and re-read over one's lifetime. The editor has done an incredible job of distilling from over 20,000 of Jefferson's letters his elevating, illumining and inspiring thoughts. It is an insight into the man, the times and the country he so deeply loved and so tirelessly worked to create, nurture, expand and sustain. So many times I found myself exclaiming a "Wow!" over a quote, sometimes smiling, sometimes tearing-up, wistfully, at the depth of his soulful wisdom. Do not hesitate to bring this gem into your home, your library, and your heart.

Feel the truth of Thomas Jefferson

Light and Liberty reveals the true Thomas Jefferson in all his intuitive grandeur. Thomas Jefferson envisioned and revealed the very qualities that made America evolve into the new model of government and society. In reading his innermost thoughts and ideals we can feel a small glimpse of the light that has, and should guide our country and all humanity into the future. This book is not only a "must read" for all those who believe in our most basic principles, but also an incredible reference of higher ideals and progressive thought.

High Marks

A nicely done anthology of precepts from Thomas Jefferson's writings. The author must have read the thousands of letters written by Jefferson during his lifetime. The only other book I have ever seen in which the author has taken the time to read everything in Jefferson's own hand is the book, West Point: Thomas Jefferson: Character Leadership Education, by Norman Thomas Remick. High marks and admiration to Mr. Petersen for his dedication and perseverance. Recommended to all.

A quick, but thought-provoking read.

Peterson's selections not only point out tips for our leaders--both Democrat and Republican--that would serve as reminders to get our country back on track, but they also remind us of how we can each live our ordinary lives in a way that contributes to the overall good of society. A very inspirational book!!

A great read, interesting and intellectual.

I really enjoyed this book, there are life lessons in here that anyone, regardless of race or age, can learn from. Sometimes in life, you need to look back before you can move forward, this book provides that opportunity by featuring the ideals that were important to Thomas Jefferson. Ideals that resonate just as much today as they did back then.I bought a copy for my son who's heading off to college in the Fall, always helps to remind today's youth that things like honor, trust and dedication are timeless values that can help them succeed in any walk of life.I checked out the author's site too, they have some great free content - and a free Thomas Jefferson screensaver, which as a teacher I really liked - it's at :: www.lightandliberty.org.