Something New Under The Sun.

[Note: Because I was out celebrating the Glorious Fourth with Friends and Family, I didn't get to post this on my Blog on July 4th. I've always loved the optimism expressed in the following letter. It must be remembered that Jefferson lived through times when the - then young- American Democracy seemed unstable, too. The fact that he could take hope is a suggestion to us: drop cynicism once or twice a year...it will give you courage to face what you need to!

Happy-belated- 4th!]

THOMAS JEFFERSON To Dr. JOSEPH PRIESTLEY Washington, March, 21, 1801

[quoted from: http://www.let.rug.nl/~usa/P/tj3/writings/brf/jefl137.htm ]

As the storm is now subsiding, and the horizon becoming serene, it is pleasant to consider the phenomenon with attention. We can no longer say there is nothing new under the sun. For this whole chapter in the history of man is new. The great extent of our Republic is new. ...The mighty wave of public opinion which has rolled over it is new. But the most pleasing novelty is, it's so quickly subsiding over such an extent of surface to it's true level again. The order & good sense displayed in this recovery from delusion, and in the momentous crisis which lately arose, really bespeak a strength of character in our nation which augurs well for the duration of our Republic; & I am much better satisfied now of it's stability than I was before it was tried.