How to Take Over the World

The Ironies of Thomas Jefferson

A writer, not a speaker: Jefferson was a poor public speaker but turned it into a strength by becoming a master writer; his pen, not his voice, made him influential
Lifelong self-improver: He rigorously tracked habits, avoided laziness, exercised daily, and studied constantly – living a disciplined, almost scientific life of self-betterment
Jefferson was full of paradoxes: a slaveholder who opposed slavery, a small-government advocate who made massive federal decisions like the Louisiana Purchase.
Impact beyond his presidency: He chose to be remembered not as president, but as the author of the Declaration, the religious freedom statute, and the founder of the University of Virginia
- This shows what he truly valued: ideas, liberty, and education
Jefferson’s Ten Rules for Life:
- 1. Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.
- 2. Never trouble another for what you can do yourself.
- 3. Never spend your money before you have it.
- 4. Never buy what you do not want, because it is cheap; it will be dear to you.
- 5. Pride costs us more than hunger, thirst, and cold.
- 6. We never repent of having eaten too little.
- 7. Nothing is troublesome that we do willingly.
- 8. How much pain have we cost ourselves by the evils which have never happened?
- 9. Take things always by their smooth handle.
- 10. When angry, count ten, before you speak; if very angry, a hundred.
“It is a charming thing to be loved by everybody. And the way to obtain it is to never quarrel with anybody.” – Thomas Jefferson

How did Thomas Jefferson overcome failure after failure to become the most significant politician of the early American Republic? On this episode we examine his habits, tactics, approach, and life up until his service in the Washington administration.

00:00 The Misunderstood President: Thomas Jefferson's Early Failures

02:15 Introduction

04:45 Jefferson's Early Life and Education

09:35 Jefferson's Personal Habits and Philosophies

12:30 Jefferson's Political Beginnings and the Fight Against Slavery

15:55 The Road to Independence: Jefferson's Writing and Influence

20:00 Jefferson's Rise in the Continental Congress

27:45 Drafting the Declaration of Independence

30:15 The Eloquence of Jefferson's Writing

37:00 The Final Edits and Adoption of the Declaration

42:00 Jefferson's Post-Declaration Achievements

47:20 Jefferson's Governorship and Personal Tragedy

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⁠⁠⁠Founders Podcast

Thomas Jefferson (Part 1)

Podcast Notes Playlist: Business