The Jefferson Adams Letters
The purpose of this podcast is to share the thoughts of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams as reflected in their personal correspondence between 1812 and 1826. These letters capture their reflections on the American Revolution, governance, and legacy, while also marking their reconciliation after years of political rivalry. We explore their profound ideas, shared values, and mutual respect, offering insights into the enduring significance of dialogue and friendship in shaping the nation.
Episodes
37 episodes
The Jefferson Adams Letters: Introduction
The Jefferson Adams Letters podcast explores the remarkable correspondence between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams from 1812 to 1826. These nearly 300 letters cover vital issues such as democracy, education, governance, and human natur...
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14:17
Episode 1: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams – January 1, 1812
In his January 1, 1812, letter, Thomas Jefferson reaches out to John Adams to rekindle their friendship after years of estrangement. Jefferson reflects on their shared struggles during the American Revolution and acknowledges thei...
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8:48
Episode 2: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson – January 21, 1812
In his January 21, 1812, response, John Adams warmly accepts Thomas Jefferson’s outreach, reflecting on their shared revolutionary experiences and political differences. Adams expresses deep respect for Jefferson, emphasizing that...
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9:47
Episode 3: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams – March 14, 1812
In his March 14, 1812, letter, Thomas Jefferson reflects on his renewed friendship with John Adams, expressing satisfaction in their reconciliation. Jefferson emphasizes that political differences are natural and necessary for a t...
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8:56
Episode 4: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson - June 15, 1812
In John Adams' letter to Thomas Jefferson dated June 15, 1812, Adams reflects on their past differences, the political turmoil of their time, and their shared experiences in the American Revolution. He expresses a desire to move beyond ol...
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9:56
Episode 5: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson - July 9, 1812
In his July 9, 1812, letter, John Adams reflects on the renewed friendship with Thomas Jefferson, expressing his enthusiasm for their dialogue and recounting their shared revolutionary experiences. He discusses the dangers of unchecked power, t...
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7:22
Episode 6: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams - August 15, 1812
In his August 15, 1812, letter, Thomas Jefferson reflects on the enduring bond with John Adams, despite their political differences. He emphasizes the importance of an educated populace in preserving liberty and discusses the inevitabilit...
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8:48
Episode 7 - Thomas Jefferson to John Adams - January 21, 1813
In his January 21, 1813, letter to John Adams, Thomas Jefferson reflects on the progress of human knowledge, the importance of an informed citizenry, and the challenges of maintaining a republic. He emphasizes the need for vigilance in foreign ...
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8:30
Episode 8: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson - February 3, 1813
John Adams’ letter of February 3, 1813, continues his debate with Thomas Jefferson on the nature of government, revolution, and human character. Adams argues that power is inherently ambitious and that revolutions often lead to unintended co...
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6:56
Episode 9: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams - March 21, 1813
Thomas Jefferson’s letter of March 21, 1813, responds to John Adams’ skepticism about democracy and aristocracy. Jefferson expresses confidence in the ability of an educated populace to sustain a republic and argues that merit, not bi...
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6:52
Episode 10: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson - April 15, 1813
John Adams’ letter of April 15, 1813, responds to Thomas Jefferson’s thoughts on aristocracy and governance with measured skepticism and historical realism. While Jefferson believed in the power of education and a “natural aristocracy” o...
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6:42
Episode 11: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams - May 8, 1813
In his letter to John Adams on May 8, 1813, Thomas Jefferson discusses the difference between natural aristocracy, based on virtue and talent, and artificial aristocracy, based on birth and wealth. He argues that education is ...
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8:11
Episode 12: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams - May 27, 1813
In his letter dated May 27, 1813, Thomas Jefferson informed John Adams of the death of their mutual friend, Dr. Benjamin Rush, describing him as a man of great benevolence, learning, and integrity. Jefferson reflected on their own mortality, no...
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7:34
Episode 13: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams - June 15, 1813
In his letter to John Adams dated June 13, 1813, Thomas Jefferson reflects on the nature of aristocracy, distinguishing between a “natural aristocracy” of virtue and talent and an “artificial aristocracy” of wealth and birth. He argues th...
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6:05
Episode 14: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson - June 25, 1813
In his June 25, 1813 letter to Thomas Jefferson, John Adams reflects on the role of religion, philosophy, and governance. He critiques religious institutions for distorting Christianity into a tool of power while praising <...
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8:06
Episode 15: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson - June 28, 1813
In his June 28, 1813 letter to Thomas Jefferson, John Adams reflects on the fragility of government, the influence of history, and the role of religion in shaping political structures. He warns that rebellions and upheav...
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7:31
Episode 16: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson - July 9, 1813
In his July 9, 1813 letter to Thomas Jefferson, John Adams reflects on the persistence of political factions, the stagnation of governance, and the manipulation of historical narratives. He argues that while scien...
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7:42
Episode 17: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson - July 13, 1813
In his July 13, 1813 letter to Thomas Jefferson, John Adams provides a blistering critique of the French Revolution, contrasting it with the American experience. Adams argues that governments must evolve fr...
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8:19
Episode 18: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson - July 15, 1813
In his July 15, 1813 letter to Thomas Jefferson, John Adams offers a sharp critique of historical distortion, factionalism, and the decline of rational discourse. He warns that history is often rewritten by those ...
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7:52
Episode 19: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson - August 9, 1813
In his August 9, 1813 letter to Thomas Jefferson, John Adams reflects on the persistence of political factions, the stagnation of governance, and the manipulation of historical records. He argues that factionalism...
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8:35
Episode 20: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams - August 22, 1813
In his August 22, 1813 letter to John Adams, Thomas Jefferson expands on their discussions of religion, rational inquiry, and morality. He criticizes religious orthodoxy and priestly manipulation, arguing that...
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8:36
Episode 21: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson - September 2, 1813
In his September 2, 1813 letter to Thomas Jefferson, John Adams reflects on classical philosophy and morality, using the Greek poet Theognis as a reference point. Adams provides his own translation of Theog...
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7:29
Episode 22: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson - September 14, 1813
In his September 14, 1813 letter to Thomas Jefferson, John Adams explores the role of religious inquiry, the influence of Joseph Priestley, and the expansion of religious tolerance in England. He argues that freed...
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8:43
Episode 23: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson - September 15, 1813
In his letter of September 15, 1813, John Adams provides a critique of ideology and revolutionary fervor, contrasting his pragmatic approach with Jefferson’s idealism. He argues that aristocracy, in some form, is an unavoidable part of society ...
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8:39
Episode 24: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams - October 12, 1813
In his letter of October 12, 1813, Thomas Jefferson writes to John Adams about religion, philosophy, and the moral teachings of Jesus Christ. Jefferson argues that Jesus’ core principles have been distorted by religious institutions for p...
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8:27