On Thomas Jefferson and the Classical Philosophers

     From Carl J. Richard's The Founders and the Classics: Greece, Rome, and the American Enlightenment:

     "In 1803, Jefferson wrote regarding the classical philosophers: 'Their precepts related chiefly to ourselves, and the government of those passions which, unrestrained, would disturb our tranquility of mind. In this branch of philosophy they were really great. In developing our duties to others, they were short and defective.' In 1819 he declared: 'Epictetus and Epicurus give laws for governing ourselves, Jesus a supplement for the duties and charities we owe to others." (p. 187)

Great Quote from John Adams on Cicero

     Found on p. 61 of The Founders and the Classics by Carl J. Richard, a quote from John Adams in his diary in the winter of 1758 on the pleasures of reading the Latin orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero aloud:

"The Sweetness and Grandeur of his sounds, and the Harmony of his Numbers give Pleasure enough to reward the Reading of one understood none of his meaning. Besides, I find it a noble Exercise. It exercises my Lungs, raises my Spirits, opens my Porrs, quickens the Circulation, and so contributes much to Health."

Ah, Cicero! He's good for your health!