Thomas Jefferson wrote reams of good advice, important political philosophy, the Declaration of Independence, and many other things (which is why we know so much about him). To some of his younger relations he sent his favorite “Rules of Conduct” to help the people he cared for better and more insightful humans. These thoughts evolved over time so versions vary slightly depending upon the source. Here is a facsimile of the ten point “rules” with a slightly different version spelled out below.
- Never put off to tomorrow what you can do to-day.
- Never trouble another with what you can do yourself.
- Never spend your money before you have it.
- Never buy a thing you do not want, because it is cheap, it will be dear to you.
- Take care of your cents: Dollars will take care of themselves.
- Pride costs us more than hunger, thirst and cold.
- We never repent of having eat too little.
- Nothing is troublesome that one does willingly.
- How much pain have cost us the evils which have never happened.
- Take things always by their smooth handle.
- Think as you please, and so let others, and you will have no disputes.
- When angry, count 10 before you speak; if very angry, 100.
Despite some obvious flaws that glare in the light historic hindsight, Jefferson was steeped in classical philosophy and was a great thinker in his own right. If we all could live by these rules the world would be a better place.
And finally, while providing an outline for his daughters’ education he suggested while he was away on business:
“With respect to the distribution of your time, the following is what I should approve:
From 8. to 10. o’clock practise music.
From 10. to 1. dance one day and draw another.
From 1. to 2. draw on the day you dance, and write a letter next day.
From 3. to 4. read French.
From 4. to 5. exercise yourself in music.
From 5. till bedtime, read English, write, &c.
..I expect you will write me by every post. Inform me what books you read, what tunes you learn, and inclose me your best copy of every lesson in drawing. Write also one letter a week either to your Aunt Eppes, your Aunt Skipworth, your Aunt Carr, or the little lady from whom I now enclose a letter. . . . Take care that you never spell a word wrong. Always before you write a word, consider how it is spelt, and, if you do not remember it, turn to a dictionary. It produces great praise to a lady to spell well…
If you love me, then strive to be good under every situation and to all living creatures, and to acquire those accomplishments which I have put in your power, and which will go far towards ensuring you the warmest love of your affectionate father,
Th. Jefferson”
He was known, like most of us, as a far-from-perfect father but his advice was sound. Three hours of music per day, be good to all living creatures, draw, dance, and read. Obviously, this advice applies to the wealthy and elite who do not toil all day but even in the modern world there are worse ways to spend an idle day.
It sounds like a wise path.
Preindustrial Craftsmanship 