THOMAS JEFFERSON - METACOGNATIVE INDIVIDUAL

Quotes ..........Thomas Jefferson

"When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe . "

..........Thomas Jefferson

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. "

..........Thomas Jefferson

"It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world."

..........Thomas Jefferson

"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."

..........Thomas Jefferson

"My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government."

..........Thomas Jefferson

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms."

..........Thomas Jefferson

"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government."

..........Thomas Jefferson

"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."

..........Thomas Jefferson

"To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical."

..........Thomas Jefferson

And finally, a very Interesting Quote : In light of the present financial crisis, it's interesting to read what Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:

"I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by

inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered."

..........Thomas Jefferson

45 Lessons Life Taught Me

A good example of someone who has used their metacognative abilities - to reflect on prior thinking/beliefs is metacognition.

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of Cleveland, Ohio …

“To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written.”

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words “In five years, will this matter?”

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a “gift.”

PRINCIPLES OF CHARACTER - GENEROSITY

• TRY TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER'S FEELINGS AND MOODS
• GIVER EACH OTHER ROOM TO CHANGE AND GROW
• GIVE EACH OTHER COMPLEMENTS
• DON'T PUT EACH OTHER DOWN
• LISTEN TO EACH OTHER
• CARE ABOUT EACH OTHER

HINTS FOR GOOD MENTAL HEALTH...

• GET ENOUGH SLEEP AND REST
• Lack of sleep can lessen your ability to deal with stress by making you more ittirable.
• Take more rest periods of you don't sleep well.

• EXERCISE REGUALRLY
• Physical activity creates an outlet for mental stress to be released.
  
  
• LEARN TO LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
• Your body will give you warninng signs and signal when you are scared, stressed, and uncomfortable.
• Listen and trust.
  
  
• TALK OUT YOUR PROBLEMS
• Remember to talk out your problems not act them out.
• Talking out your problems with a trusted and respected friend or therapist is a sign of strength not weakness.
  
  
• BALANCE WORK WITH PLAY
• Avoid relying on drugs and alcohol to deal with problems.
• Seek real solutions not temporary ones.
  
  
• LEARN TO ACCEPT WHAT YOU CANNOT CHANGE
• Learn the difference between what you can and cannot change in your life.
  
  
• SERVICE TO OTHERS
• Reach out to others.
• Learn to love and trust one step at a time.
• Build friendships.
  
  
• TAKE ONE THING AT A TIME
• Walking requires taking one step at a time, so does solving problems or anything that we do.
• Break down problems or tasks into smaller steps.
  
  
• LEARN FROM YOUR EXPERIENCES
• Learn from challenges in life.
• See trials and problems as challenges and learning experiences for your growth not punishment.

PRINCIPLES OF CHARACTER - COURAGE

• DO WHAT IS RIGHT, EVEN WHEN IT IS HARD
• BE WILLING TO TRY NEW THINGS
• ADMIT MISTAKES AND LEARN FROM THEM
• ASK FOR HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT

RESISTING PEER PRESSURE...

• Look the person in the eye...
• Talk calmly and in a nive voice...
• Say, "no, thank you."
• Suggest another alternative.
• If the person rejects or refuses your suggestion...
• Don't argue with the person...
• Leave the situation.
• IMMEDIATELY...

PRINCIPLES OF CHARACTER - RESPECT

• TREAT EVERYONE THE WAY I WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED.
• SPEAK COURTEOUSLY TO EVERYONE.
• BE RESPECTFUL TO THE WISDOM OF ELDERS.
• HONOR THE RULES OF MY FAMILY AND NATION.
• EXPECT RESPECT FOR MY BODY AND MY RIGHTS AS A HUMAN BEING.

HOW TO BE RESPECTFUL...

• Treat other people the way you want to be treated.
• Be courteousl and polite.
• Listen to what other people have to say.
• Don't insult people or make fun of them, or call them names.
• Don't bully or pick on others.
• Don't judge people before you get to know them.

PRINCIPLES OF CHARACTER - TRUTHFULNESS

• I always try to do what is right, even when it's costly or difficult.
• I am true to my very best self.
• I live up to the highest ethical standards.
• I don't comprimise my values by giving in to temptations.

TIPS FOR SHARING YOUR VALUES...

• Listen to what your child says.
• Parents, don't count on your child getting accurate information on sex, drugs, and alcohol elsewhere; you must provide not only the information but values as well.
• Children learn by listening, watching, and imitating.
• Give your child more than a biology lesson - include how you fell about it.
• Talk about love, trust, respect, and intimacy.
• Use words to match the child's age and experience.
• Look for teaching moments, because most children don't ask parents about sex, drugs, or alcohol.

PRINCIPLES OF CHARACTER - DEPENDABLE

• MAKE PROMISES YOU CAN KEEP
  
  
• REALLY CARE ABOUT DOING WHAT YOU PROMISE
  
  
• RETURN THINGS YOU BORROW
  
  
• PLAN AHEAD, DO YOUR BEST, AND FINISH ON TIME

HOW TO BE A RESPONSIBLE PERSON AND FEEL GREAT!

1. When you agree to do something, do it.

• If you let people down, they will stop believing in you.
• When you follow through on your commitments, people take you seriously.

2. Answer for your own actions.

• Don't make excuses or blame others for what you do.
• When you take responsibility for your actions, you are saying, "I am the one who is in charge of my life."

3. Take care of your own matters.

• Don't rely on adults to remind you when you're supposed to be somewhere or what you're supposed to bring.
• You take the responsibility.

4. Be trustworthy

• If somebody trusts you to borrow or take care of something, take care of it.
• If somebody tells you something in confidence, keep it to yourself unless it will pose a risk of danger to them or to others.
• It is important for people to know they can count on you.

5. Always use your head.

• Think things through and use good judgment.
• When you use your head, you make better choices.
• That shows your parents and others that they can trust you.

6. Don't put things off.

• When you have a job to do, do it!
• Doing things on time helps you take control of your life and shows that you can manage your own affairs.

PRINCIPLES OF CHARACTER - CITIZENSHIP

Are You a Good Citizen?

(Take this self-evaluation and find out.)

True	False
		I take responsibility for what goes on in my community.
		I do my part for the common good.
		I participate in community service.
		I help take care of the environment.
		I obey the law.
		I help make our democracy work by voicing my opinions, voting, and participating in the decision making process.
I think I am/am not a good citizen because: ______________________

Remember, citizenship is social responsibility in action!

Citizenship

Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment

6. CITIZENSHIP

Citizenship includes civic virtues and duties that prescribe how we ought to behave as part of a community. The good citizen knows the laws and obeys them, yes, but that’s not all. She volunteers and stays informed on the issues of the day, the better to execute her duties and privileges as a member of a self-governing democratic society. She does more than her "fair" share to make society work, now and for future generations. Such a commitment to the public sphere can have many expressions, such as conserving resources, recycling, using public transportation and cleaning up litter. The good citizen gives more than she takes.

PRINCIPLES OF CHARACTER - CARING

Are You a Caring Person?

(Take this self-evaluation and find out.)

True	False
		I am never mean, cruel, or insensitive.
		I treat people with kindness and generosity.
		I am charitable.
		I give of myself for the benefit of others.
		I am responsive to the concerns and needs of others.
I conclude that: _____________________________________________

Remember, caring is not just a way of feeling, it's a way of behaving!

Caring

Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need

5. CARING

If you existed alone in the universe, there would be no need for ethics and your heart could be a cold, hard stone. Caring is the heart of ethics, and ethical decision-making. It is scarcely possible to be truly ethical and yet unconcerned with the welfare of others. That is because ethics is ultimately about good relations with other people.

It is easier to love "humanity" than to love people. People who consider themselves ethical and yet lack a caring attitude toward individuals tend to treat others as instruments of their will. They rarely feel an obligation to be honest, loyal, fair or respectful except insofar as it is prudent for them to do so, a disposition which itself hints at duplicity and a lack of integrity. A person who really cares feels an emotional response to both the pain and pleasure of others.

Of course, sometimes we must hurt those we truly care for, and some decisions, while quite ethical, do cause pain. But one should consciously cause no more harm than is reasonably necessary to perform one’s duties.

The highest form of caring is the honest expression of benevolence, or altruism. This is not to be confused with strategic charity. Gifts to charities to advance personal interests are a fraud. That is, they aren’t gifts at all. They’re investments or tax write-offs.

PRINCIPLES OF CHARACTER - FAIRNESS

Are You a Fair Person?

(Take this self-evaluation and find out.)

True	False
		I treat other people the way I want to be treated.
		I treat people with equanimity and impartially.
		I am open-minded and reasonable.
		I play by the rules .
		I don't take advantage of people.
		I consider the feelings of all people who will be affected by my actions and decisions.
I think I am/am not a fair person because: ______________________

"It is reasonable that every one who asks justice should do justice."

- Thomas Jefferson

Fairness

Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly

4. FAIRNESS

What is fairness? Most would agree it involves issues of equality, impartiality, proportionality, openness and due process. Most would agree that it is unfair to handle similar matters inconsistently. Most would agree that it is unfair to impose punishment that is not commensurate with the offense. The basic concept seems simple, even intuitive, yet applying it in daily life can be surprisingly difficult. Fairness is another tricky concept, probably more subject to legitimate debate and interpretation than any other ethical value. Disagreeing parties tend to maintain that there is only one fair position (their own, naturally). But essentially fairness implies adherence to a balanced standard of justice without relevance to one’s own feelings or inclinations.

Process

Process is crucial in settling disputes, both to reach the fairest results and to minimize complaints. A fair person scrupulously employs open and impartial processes for gathering and evaluating information necessary to make decisions. Fair people do not wait for the truth to come to them; they seek out relevant information and conflicting perspectives before making important judgments.

Impartiality

Decisions should be made without favoritism or prejudice.

Equity

An individual, company or society should correct mistakes, promptly and voluntarily. It is improper to take advantage of the weakness or ignorance of others.

PRINCIPLES OF CHARACTER - RESPONSIBILITY

Are You a Responsible Person?

(Take this self-evaluation and find out.)

True	False
		I do what needs to be done.
		I am reliable and dependable.
		I am accountable for my actions; I don't make excuses or blame others.
		I fulfill my moral obligations.
		I use good judgment and think through the consequences of my actions.
		I exercise self-control.
I think I am/am not a responsible person because: ___________________

Being responsible puts you in charge of your life.

Responsibility

Do what you are supposed to do • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your choices

3. RESPONSIBILITY

Life is full of choices. Being responsible means being in charge of our choices and, thus, our lives. It means being accountable for what we do and who we are. It also means recognizing that our actions matter and we are morally on the hook for the consequences. Our capacity to reason and our freedom to choose make us morally autonomous and, therefore, answerable for whether we honor or degrade the ethical principles that give life meaning and purpose.

Ethical people show responsibility by being accountable, pursuing excellence and exercising self-restraint. They exhibit the ability to respond to expectations.

Accountability

An accountable person is not a victim and doesn’t shift blame or claim credit for the work of others. He considers the likely consequences of his behavior and associations. He recognizes the common complicity in the triumph of evil when nothing is done to stop it. He leads by example.

Pursuit of Excellence

The pursuit of excellence has an ethical dimension when others rely upon our knowledge, ability or willingness to perform tasks safely and effectively.

Diligence. It is hardly unethical to make mistakes or to be less than "excellent," but there is a moral obligation to do one’s best, to be diligent, reliable, careful, prepared and informed.

Perseverance. Responsible people finish what they start, overcoming rather than surrendering to obstacles. They avoid excuses such as, "That’s just the way I am," or "It’s not my job," or "It was legal."

Continuous Improvement. Responsible people always look for ways to do their work better.

Self-Restraint

Responsible people exercise self-control, restraining passions and appetites (such as lust, hatred, gluttony, greed and fear) for the sake of longer-term vision and better judgment. They delay gratification if necessary and never feel it’s necessary to "win at any cost." They realize they are as they choose to be, every day.

PRINCIPLES OF CHARACTER - RESPECT

Are You a Respectful Person?

(Take this self-evaluation and find out.)

True	False
		I treat other people the way I want to be treated.
		I am considerate of other people.
		I treat people with civility, courtesy, and dignity.
		I accept personal differences.
		I work to solve problems without violence.
		I never intentionally ridicule, embarrass, or hurt other people.
I think I am/am not a respectful person because: ______________________

Respect

Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements

2. RESPECT

People are not things, and everyone has a right to be treated with dignity. We certainly have no ethical duty to hold all people in high esteem, but we should treat everyone with respect, regardless of who they are and what they have done. We have a responsibility to be the best we can be in all situations, even when dealing with unpleasant people.

The Golden Rule — do unto others as you would have them do unto you — nicely illustrates the Pillar of respect. Respect prohibits violence, humiliation, manipulation and exploitation. It reflects notions such as civility, courtesy, decency, dignity, autonomy, tolerance and acceptance.

Civility, Courtesy and Decency

A respectful person is an attentive listener, although his patience with the boorish need not be endless (respect works both ways). Nevertheless, the respectful person treats others with consideration, and doesn’t resort to intimidation, coercion or violence except in extraordinary and limited situations to defend others, teach discipline, maintain order or achieve social justice. Punishment is used in moderation and only to advance important social goals and purposes.

Dignity and Autonomy

People need to make informed decisions about their own lives. Don’t withhold the information they need to do so. Allow all individuals, including maturing children, to have a say in the decisions that affect them.

Tolerance and Acceptance

Accept individual differences and beliefs without prejudice. Judge others only on their character, abilities and conduct.