In his letters, Thomas Jefferson expresses a deep admiration for the foundational ideas of morality and rational thought derived from ancient Greece and Rome. He believes that the true essence of moral philosophy, rather than what is often assumed or misrepresented, holds significant value for modern thinkers. Jefferson positions these doctrines as essential components of rationalism in ethical reasoning.

Jefferson identifies himself as someone who reveres these genuine teachings of antiquity, suggesting that they encompass all that is meaningful in the realm of morality. This perspective highlights his conviction that classical philosophies have shaped contemporary moral understanding and continue to offer profound insights that are still relevant today.