Thomas Jefferson’s Debts
Exploring the tensions of Thomas Jefferson's emphasis on frugality and desire to expand public education
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Thomas Jefferson was well-known for offering advice about industry and frugality to his family members and friends, and he was passionate about expanding public education in America. Unfortunately, he did not always live up to his own ideals. Jeffrey Rosen talks with Dr. Alan Shaw Taylor and Ken Burns on what we can learn from Jefferson’s commitment to education and struggles with debt.
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Credits
Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide To Happiness is produced by PRX Productions for the National Constitution Center. It is made possible with support from the John Templeton Foundation.
Episode 5, Thomas Jefferson’s Debts is hosted by Jeffrey Rosen, featuring Dr. Alan Shaw Taylor and Ken Burns with voice acting by Mark Oliver.
© 2025 National Constitution Center. All Rights Reserved.
From PRX Productions: Genevieve Sponsler, Courtney Fleurantin, David Newtown, Sandra Lopez-Monsalve, and Jocelyn Gonzalez
From the National Constitution Center: Annie Stone, Griffin Richie, and Bill Pollock
"The Golden Mean: Songs for the Pursuit of Happiness" by Jeffrey Rosen. Arrangements by Greg Strohman. Featuring James Martin, Jennifer Blyth, and Greg Strohman.
© ℗ 2025 Jeffrey Rosen. All Rights Reserved.
