In this week when we celebrate Jefferson’s birth (which is tomorrow!), let’s look back on his life, the way he lived it, and the way he recommended others live theirs. He’s not as outdated as you think. And next time you find yourself asking WWJD? (What Would Jefferson Do?), you may have a better idea.
HC: So UVa has developed some general principles with you and with the school’s general well-being in mind (Student Self-Governance, the Honor Code, etc.), but I wanted to ask you about some of the newer developments unique to today’s college students and to UVa students in general. May I start?
TJ: Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.
HC: Alright, I’ll just jump right in then. What are your thoughts on the hook-up culture?
TJ: Do not bite at the bait of pleasure, till you know there is no hook beneath it.
HC: Thoughts on College ABC?
TJ: I find that he is happiest of whom the world says least, good or bad.
HC: What about the people who are doing the talking?
When angry, count to ten before you speak. If very angry, count to one hundred.
HC: Since last year there’s been a lot of talk about Bystander Intervention. Thoughts?
TJ: All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.
HC: Well it was a good thing that you took a stand then! College can’t be nearly as stressful as standing up to a ruling monarchy, but I think we all still spend a lot of our time worrying. What advice to do you have about that?
TJ: How much pain they have cost us, the evils which have never happened.
HC: So you’re saying that we shouldn’t sweat the small stuff – especially when it’s probably not going to happen?
TJ: Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances.
HC: Great. So speaking of advantage over another person, UVa students seem to have a big desire to achieve – sometimes over-achieve. Why do you think that is?
TJ: Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.
HC: Well yes we can get a lot done, but what about personal satisfaction? Should we do to achieve or do because we want to?
TJ: I believe that every human mind feels pleasure in doing good to another.
HC: So we should use our time and energy toward the betterment of others and therefore the betterment of ourselves. Any last bits of advice?
TJ: When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.
Thank you so much for your time and input. We may have different ways of handling our issues today, but the issues must be similar; you seem to know a lot. We’ll have to keep your advice in mind next time we’re faced with any adversity!
Oh – and Happy Birthday!
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UVA chapter.