academic, historian, lawyer, author

Eric S. Petersen graduated from Brown University with a major in American history and from the University of Chicago Law School. He currently works as an attorney. Since 1993, he has devoted himself to an extensive study of the life and work of Thomas Jefferson, about whom he has spoken at numerous American and foreign universities, including Charles University and the University of Economics in Prague, as well as other public institutions such as the United Nations in New York and the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic.

Based on a thorough study of Jefferson’s extensive correspondence—numbering over 20,000 letters—he has become intimately familiar with all aspects of Jefferson’s personality, which he has compiled into a collection of texts titled “Light and Liberty: Reflections on the Pursuit of Happiness”. The book contains Jefferson’s political ideas and reflections expressing profound truths and timeless values:

“Every person, country, and nation has the right to find its own way to govern itself best. Good government is always a servant of the people, not their master. Good government is based on friendship and respect, not on the exercise of power and a sense of superiority. The ideal of good government is, first and foremost, a good person.”

You can learn more about Eric Petersen and his book atlightandliberty.org

In 2010, aseries of lectureson Thomas Jefferson took place at Charles University and the University of Economics.