Would Jefferson and Franklin Be Considered Libertarians in the Modern Sense?
Politically speaking, our Founding Fathers were not libertarians in the modern contemporary sense. The political ideology of libertarianism as it is known today did not exist in the 18th century.
Jefferson's Wary Central Government
Jefferson was wary of the power of the central government, but even as president he actively indulged in that very power. Choices like the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark expedition were made with his authority and influence. After all, many presidents naturally gravitate towards exercising their powers, making it difficult to generalize their actions based on their political philosophies.
Enlightenment Values and Moral Limits on Power
Jefferson and the other founding fathers believed in the idea of moral limits on power, an important Enlightenment idea that stretches back to Judeo-Christian and Hebraic influences. These concepts are prominently featured in the Exodus narrative and Tower of Babel parable, clearly articulating the dangers of hubris and the need for humility in managing societal affairs.
Hubris and the Dangers of Excess
The people of Babel sought to create a singular language, aiming for total unity and uniformity, a dream that ultimately proved unattainable. This is a clear commentary on the dangers of attempting to flatten cultural and societal differences in pursuit of a rigid ideal that can lead to chaos and despair.
Examples of Hubris in History
Similarly, the Greek stories of Oedipus and Antigone also highlight the dangers of human hubris. Oedipus, despite his noble intentions, succumbs to corruption due to his own ignorance. Antigone's behavior, while noble, still leads to a tragic outcome, emphasizing the futility of mankind's attempts to outsmart the immutable laws of fate.
The themes of hubris and the dangers of exceeding one's moral and power limits are not limited to literature but are pervasive across various cultural traditions, including the Hebraic and Enlightenment influences in Western culture. The danger lies in scaling the heavens and rebelling against the frustrations imposed by nature and destiny, as exemplified by Oedipus' tragic storyline.
What If Jefferson and Franklin Had Been More Modest?
One can't help but wonder how different history might have been if the Founding Fathers had embraced humility and acted passively instead of assertively. If they had accepted prophecy and fate without resistance, would they have averted the tragic consequences of their ambitions? The rigorous examination of these scenarios provides a deeper understanding of the psychological implications of power and the pitfalls of overreaching.
In conclusion, while our Founding Fathers were certainly not modern libertarians, their shared values of moral limits on power are evident in their actions and beliefs. The lessons from the ancient stories of Oedipus, Antigone, and the Tower of Babel still resonate, serving as a warning against the excesses of power and hubris.