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Thomas Jefferson Education for Teens
This latest addition to the TJEd library is written to youth and adults wanting to accomplish a successful Scholar Phasenot only academically, but in personal development and mission preparation. It includes: How to find the Real You, the Teen-100 List, how to study the classics, how to make the most of your mentor, sample simulations, a list of online resources plus lots more!
147 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
33 people are currently reading
538 people want to read
About the author
Oliver DeMille
28 books124 followersOliver DeMille is the founder and former president of George Wythe University, a founding partner of The Center for Social Leadership, and the author of A Thomas Jefferson Education: Teaching a Generation of Leaders for the 21st Century.
As a university student, Oliver went on a search for a truly great education — experiencing private and public universities, technical and religious schools, corporate and international educational institutions, prestigious colleges and worthless diploma mills; he literally sampled the best and the worst that modern education has to offer, and virtually everything in between.
As a result, he found a small Bible school where he worked closely with mentors and studied the Bible and the great classics in many fields. Although Coral Ridge Baptist University was not regionally accredited, he was so excited by the quality of his studies that he left a large, well-respected university to focus full time on his classical education. He earned the B.A. in Biblical Studies (May 1992), M.A. in Christian Political Science (December 1992), and Ph.D. in Religious Education (May 1994) at Coral Ridge Baptist University.
He has written and spoken extensively about the traditional education system versus his intense mentored-classical experience with Coral Ridge and his mentor–Dr. W. Cleon Skousen. After his Coral Ridge studies, he returned to Brigham Young University and completed the B.A. in International Relations with a minor in Aerospace Studies, graduating Magna cum Laude (1994). He then devoted his time to refining the educational design and curriculum of the liberal arts school he founded, George Wythe College (now University).
Oliver is a popular author, keynote speaker, and business consultant. Presently, he devotes a majority of his time to writing. He and his wife Rachel are raising their 8 children in southern Utah.
As a university student, Oliver went on a search for a truly great education — experiencing private and public universities, technical and religious schools, corporate and international educational institutions, prestigious colleges and worthless diploma mills; he literally sampled the best and the worst that modern education has to offer, and virtually everything in between.
As a result, he found a small Bible school where he worked closely with mentors and studied the Bible and the great classics in many fields. Although Coral Ridge Baptist University was not regionally accredited, he was so excited by the quality of his studies that he left a large, well-respected university to focus full time on his classical education. He earned the B.A. in Biblical Studies (May 1992), M.A. in Christian Political Science (December 1992), and Ph.D. in Religious Education (May 1994) at Coral Ridge Baptist University.
He has written and spoken extensively about the traditional education system versus his intense mentored-classical experience with Coral Ridge and his mentor–Dr. W. Cleon Skousen. After his Coral Ridge studies, he returned to Brigham Young University and completed the B.A. in International Relations with a minor in Aerospace Studies, graduating Magna cum Laude (1994). He then devoted his time to refining the educational design and curriculum of the liberal arts school he founded, George Wythe College (now University).
Oliver is a popular author, keynote speaker, and business consultant. Presently, he devotes a majority of his time to writing. He and his wife Rachel are raising their 8 children in southern Utah.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 13, 2017
I liked several things about this book; however, in many respects it felt like the authors were *talking down* to the reader, because it was written for youth. This bothered me because I really don't think kids need to be condescended to, but the information in the book is still valuable. Thus, the 3 stars are more for style than content. The 100 classics for teens book list is very useful. As a parent, if you are reading this with or for your child, I think it's important to also read A Thomas Jefferson Education.
October 18, 2010
This is a great book! The list of 100 classics to read has some books I really want to read with my teens/youth. I can't wait to discuss these books with them. I really appreciate the simulations at the back and the suggestions of the different roles a parent mentor should take on. TJED has come a long way from the feeling I got from listening to DeMille over ten years ago that was commonly felt among homeschoolers: "Now how do we do this?" This is full of concrete suggestions. A much easier read than Leadership Education: the Phases of Learning. I give it four out of five stars because it has no index. When will the DeMilles start putting an index in their books? Also because of the mistake by the authors of calling bobby socks as socks that go to the knee. Maybe I'm being too picky, but if you are going to write about history, even if it's something as trivial as fashion in the 50s, at least make sure you get it right.
June 28, 2011
2011 Summer reading
----
Finished this today. (Well, still working on answering the Great Teen Questions) but that takes a while...
It is not my purpose here to recap the book nor fully explain the concepts (purely making notes for myself). Read it yourself. I read this because my 12yo will soon be reading this and I wanted to be one up on him. It is definitely worth reading as direction-needing adult as well.
Some key points:
(6) “Without a truly superb education, very few people are able to figure out what they are supposed to know—how to always tell the difference between wisdom & pessimism, idealism & just being too naïve, and the true, excellent kind of pro-active innovative realism versus its counterfeit.”
I learned some interesting things about me when I asked my key people what my true genius is. Interesting part being that they pretty much all said the same thing. Hmmm. Doesn’t mean I really know what to do with it.
I really enjoyed the part about “falling in love.” I’m planning to fall in love with a few subjects this year that my kids want me to teach them. I’m looking forward to it. Perhaps I’ll even throw in a few of my own.
(59) “[Feelings of low self-worth]…these deep and sometimes overwhelming feelings almost always go away when you fall in love “(with anything or anyone).
While these authors are speaking of the romance of learning, this statement does teach us a lot about the danger and power of teen romance. Falling in love with a person when the time (and the person) isn’t right can cause a lot of trouble. While falling in love with a subject/topic of learning is SO different! Just an interesting concept.
71) Falling in love is a skill.
73) Figuring out how to fall in love with a subject is the key to truly learning it.
61) “Consciously choose an allegiance!” –instead of having one thrust upon you by indecision or popular opinion. I loved this section. It is worth exploring whether your allegiance is to God/Good/Love; Having/Self/Ego/Power; Impressing/Others/Insecurity or Bad/Anger/Hate, and where whatever allegiance you follow leads you.
63) “Is my progress stalled by my fear of losing status or things?”
85) FASCINATING opinions on why the highly educated Japanese Americans generally acted the way they did during WWII (stoic acceptance & perseverance, sending thousands of soldiers to fight against Japan despite internment etc.) As opposed to the way the highly-trained and expert German people were easily led to do obscenely cruel things under Hitler.
89) “There is a drastic difference between the skilled expert and the truly wise (liberally educated) expert.”
86) “When something is free, find out who paid for it.” (Why is American public education free? Pure philanthropy?)
And then one of the most fascinating parts of the whole book, to me was the concept that the creation of the teenager (circa 1941) simultaneously created the mid-life crisis. The midlife crisis happens when the strain of wearing a mask (or masks) created in youth by failing to find the “Real You” (as opposed to the “fake you” one becomes by default …(101), or when one becomes “tired of managing a job that wasn’t really what he wanted, or being at home with kids that she wasn’t prepared for, or living a life that wasn’t planned out but fallen into by a series of previous unexamined choices, being pressured more and more by uncommitted and unchosen demands of others and watching hidden feelings or dreams slipping away.” (emphasis added)
What an interesting and poignant topic I had never really thought over before. I’ve worn “need to be seen as” masks before, it’s not a happy place. I’m finally finding the “Real Me,” and I find I’m pretty cool. Well, at least, I’m pretty cool to me and I’m happy doing the things I love, and I’m trying to do good in the world and it is well and that is what counts. Even if I’m the only one who thinks I’m cool ;)
(115) “Those who thrive in times of recession, depression, slow-growth economics, even war and other major crises are the ones who focus on home, community, entrepreneurship.” So, we stink, currently on the last at our house, but we’re thinking….
14 Financial Success Rules
1. Embrace the New & the Now (instead of clinging to old)
2. Spend evenings & Sundays with family (good, strong family relationships are key)
3. Strengthen your self-culture (find out what makes you happy & do it), instead of following popular culture
4. Articulate and write out your rules for life
5. Focus on raising adults (as opposed to children—I don’t want 36+ yo children.)
6. Make “Meaning” the focus of learning, conversation & thinking
7. Serve. Not “projects” but create community by service
8. Make marriage your central focus (married or not). Again, good relationships are key.
9. Get a leadership education. Be able to make impact.
10. Engage entrepreneurship.
11. Be a producer. (Produce wealth to do GOOD, instead of simply being a producer for others & a consumer)
12. Develop your creativity & inventiveness
13. Find your inner resiliency. Keep on trying.
14. Grow your ambition. Do great things.
Some distractions:
1) I despise the use of the term "The Universe." If you mean God, say it. I cannot see how something as impersonal as "The Universe" can be inspiring to anyone. "Inner Moral Compass" or "Nature" (as Thomas Jefferson used it, MAYBE a better term, but not much). I’m not advocating religion by force here, but simply saying what we, personally, mean and leaving others to interpret as they wish.
2) I felt that in trying to be too buddy-buddy with the target audience (teens) the authors slightly missed the mark. It is my opinion that if you want a teen to take your message seriously, try to treat them as a respected mentor teaching them, not as a contemporary peer trying to cajole them. Just me. This wasn't a totally pervasive problem or totally annoying, but just a thought.
3) The 100 Book List. Why Card, Sanderson, Alcott & Austen? Once I sat in a book group discussion about "Little Women" with a number of highly intelligent and good women. Our conversation? Zilch. Nice story, but not much there. Definitely not worthy of the 100 TOP, as lovely as the stories are. Same with Austen. Don't get me wrong there, LOVE her, but discussion possibilities are small in most of them. Sure, she's a fantastic, timeless writer, but since lit is sort of a hobby of mine, I plan on introducing great writing WITH discussion value. It’s not that hard to find. As for the sci-fi—truly, I’m a fan of the good stuff like Asimov and Clarke, but Card—ick! (Love him as a person, not much respect for him as an author). I haven’t read Sanderson so I can’t say, but why? Just trying to appeal to the target audience, or personal fancy of the authors? I just don’t get how these make the grade. Seriously, I absolutely abhorred “Ender’s Game.” Like, totally lame, dude. However, I do appreciate most of the other suggestions and general guidelines.
All in all, a great book for the target audience AND for those who wake up one day and say, “Wow. I am an ignoramus.” “I am totally unfulfilled and directionless.” “What am I here for?” “Is there something more than watching TV rushing my kids from one activity to another, eating McDonalds all the while??” Good thoughts, good jumping off place.
----
Finished this today. (Well, still working on answering the Great Teen Questions) but that takes a while...
It is not my purpose here to recap the book nor fully explain the concepts (purely making notes for myself). Read it yourself. I read this because my 12yo will soon be reading this and I wanted to be one up on him. It is definitely worth reading as direction-needing adult as well.
Some key points:
(6) “Without a truly superb education, very few people are able to figure out what they are supposed to know—how to always tell the difference between wisdom & pessimism, idealism & just being too naïve, and the true, excellent kind of pro-active innovative realism versus its counterfeit.”
I learned some interesting things about me when I asked my key people what my true genius is. Interesting part being that they pretty much all said the same thing. Hmmm. Doesn’t mean I really know what to do with it.
I really enjoyed the part about “falling in love.” I’m planning to fall in love with a few subjects this year that my kids want me to teach them. I’m looking forward to it. Perhaps I’ll even throw in a few of my own.
(59) “[Feelings of low self-worth]…these deep and sometimes overwhelming feelings almost always go away when you fall in love “(with anything or anyone).
While these authors are speaking of the romance of learning, this statement does teach us a lot about the danger and power of teen romance. Falling in love with a person when the time (and the person) isn’t right can cause a lot of trouble. While falling in love with a subject/topic of learning is SO different! Just an interesting concept.
71) Falling in love is a skill.
73) Figuring out how to fall in love with a subject is the key to truly learning it.
61) “Consciously choose an allegiance!” –instead of having one thrust upon you by indecision or popular opinion. I loved this section. It is worth exploring whether your allegiance is to God/Good/Love; Having/Self/Ego/Power; Impressing/Others/Insecurity or Bad/Anger/Hate, and where whatever allegiance you follow leads you.
63) “Is my progress stalled by my fear of losing status or things?”
85) FASCINATING opinions on why the highly educated Japanese Americans generally acted the way they did during WWII (stoic acceptance & perseverance, sending thousands of soldiers to fight against Japan despite internment etc.) As opposed to the way the highly-trained and expert German people were easily led to do obscenely cruel things under Hitler.
89) “There is a drastic difference between the skilled expert and the truly wise (liberally educated) expert.”
86) “When something is free, find out who paid for it.” (Why is American public education free? Pure philanthropy?)
And then one of the most fascinating parts of the whole book, to me was the concept that the creation of the teenager (circa 1941) simultaneously created the mid-life crisis. The midlife crisis happens when the strain of wearing a mask (or masks) created in youth by failing to find the “Real You” (as opposed to the “fake you” one becomes by default …(101), or when one becomes “tired of managing a job that wasn’t really what he wanted, or being at home with kids that she wasn’t prepared for, or living a life that wasn’t planned out but fallen into by a series of previous unexamined choices, being pressured more and more by uncommitted and unchosen demands of others and watching hidden feelings or dreams slipping away.” (emphasis added)
What an interesting and poignant topic I had never really thought over before. I’ve worn “need to be seen as” masks before, it’s not a happy place. I’m finally finding the “Real Me,” and I find I’m pretty cool. Well, at least, I’m pretty cool to me and I’m happy doing the things I love, and I’m trying to do good in the world and it is well and that is what counts. Even if I’m the only one who thinks I’m cool ;)
(115) “Those who thrive in times of recession, depression, slow-growth economics, even war and other major crises are the ones who focus on home, community, entrepreneurship.” So, we stink, currently on the last at our house, but we’re thinking….
14 Financial Success Rules
1. Embrace the New & the Now (instead of clinging to old)
2. Spend evenings & Sundays with family (good, strong family relationships are key)
3. Strengthen your self-culture (find out what makes you happy & do it), instead of following popular culture
4. Articulate and write out your rules for life
5. Focus on raising adults (as opposed to children—I don’t want 36+ yo children.)
6. Make “Meaning” the focus of learning, conversation & thinking
7. Serve. Not “projects” but create community by service
8. Make marriage your central focus (married or not). Again, good relationships are key.
9. Get a leadership education. Be able to make impact.
10. Engage entrepreneurship.
11. Be a producer. (Produce wealth to do GOOD, instead of simply being a producer for others & a consumer)
12. Develop your creativity & inventiveness
13. Find your inner resiliency. Keep on trying.
14. Grow your ambition. Do great things.
Some distractions:
1) I despise the use of the term "The Universe." If you mean God, say it. I cannot see how something as impersonal as "The Universe" can be inspiring to anyone. "Inner Moral Compass" or "Nature" (as Thomas Jefferson used it, MAYBE a better term, but not much). I’m not advocating religion by force here, but simply saying what we, personally, mean and leaving others to interpret as they wish.
2) I felt that in trying to be too buddy-buddy with the target audience (teens) the authors slightly missed the mark. It is my opinion that if you want a teen to take your message seriously, try to treat them as a respected mentor teaching them, not as a contemporary peer trying to cajole them. Just me. This wasn't a totally pervasive problem or totally annoying, but just a thought.
3) The 100 Book List. Why Card, Sanderson, Alcott & Austen? Once I sat in a book group discussion about "Little Women" with a number of highly intelligent and good women. Our conversation? Zilch. Nice story, but not much there. Definitely not worthy of the 100 TOP, as lovely as the stories are. Same with Austen. Don't get me wrong there, LOVE her, but discussion possibilities are small in most of them. Sure, she's a fantastic, timeless writer, but since lit is sort of a hobby of mine, I plan on introducing great writing WITH discussion value. It’s not that hard to find. As for the sci-fi—truly, I’m a fan of the good stuff like Asimov and Clarke, but Card—ick! (Love him as a person, not much respect for him as an author). I haven’t read Sanderson so I can’t say, but why? Just trying to appeal to the target audience, or personal fancy of the authors? I just don’t get how these make the grade. Seriously, I absolutely abhorred “Ender’s Game.” Like, totally lame, dude. However, I do appreciate most of the other suggestions and general guidelines.
All in all, a great book for the target audience AND for those who wake up one day and say, “Wow. I am an ignoramus.” “I am totally unfulfilled and directionless.” “What am I here for?” “Is there something more than watching TV rushing my kids from one activity to another, eating McDonalds all the while??” Good thoughts, good jumping off place.
June 15, 2022
This is a fantastic book! Very motivating for teens and adults! If your goal is to help your youth to take charge of his own education, this is a great start!
August 12, 2021
This book, though designed for teens, is touted as being excellent for adults too. For me, however, it felt like tremendously watered down content of other leadership education books. As other reviewers have mentioned, it felt too much like the authors were talking down to the teens (let alone an adult reading it) for the high-quality youth we're seeking to inspire, for that reason, I think this book would be best suited for young teens, those transitioning to the beginning of their scholar journey. The workshops will be particularly worthwhile as will the list of 100 classics. For adults though, I'd concentrate your efforts on the other books in the leadership education series instead.
March 7, 2016
This book should be required reading for every human! It has taught me so much about myself, and I have loved teaching my teens with it as well. I use this book extensively with the two teen groups I mentor. It is fantastic!!!! Shannon Brooks brings Oliver's writing to a level of better implementation and understanding.
June 6, 2013
This is an excellent primer on life especially for teens but useful to all ages. DeMille lays out a plan for everyone to prepare intellectually to help fulfill your purpose and lead humanity to a better place. If that sounds lofty, it is. DeMille has the plan to make it all happen.
August 13, 2025
Notes:
Chapter 1: Your Future
Instead of “genius” I prefer the synonyms: Great ability, talent, wisdom.
- Your education should be about becoming the best version of yourself.
Discussion questions:
1. What does “changing the world” look like to you?
2. What does it mean to be a leader? If you want to change the world, Go home and love your family. Mother Theresa
3. What is true wisdom? How do we recognize it?
Chapter 2: Classics
7 Keys of Great Teaching:
1. Classics, not textbooks Jo
2. Mentors, not professors
3. Inspire, not require
4. Structure time, not content
5. Quality, not conformity
6. Simple, not complex
7. You, not them
He starts chapter 1 talking about how everyone has greatness inside them and people are all born with “genius” inside them and a life’s mission and then the next chapter is comparing classes. For example “Likewise, those with classic-based education can achieve their life mission on the same level as the wealthy classes. Without a classic-based education, you just don’t know the secrets the educated wealthy know, and you will be forever relegated to the level that lesser-privileged classes have protested with relative futility for centuries.” (Pg 33)
“It is not an exaggeration to say that the ideas in these works are the difference between the rich/powerful/leaders and the poor/weak/masses.” (Pg 34)
These two chapters almost seem in conflict with each other. One elevates and empowers all, the next places people in a hierarchy based on education.
Chapter 3: Mentors
Alma Mater: mother of the soul. Where and with whom do I want to allegiance and title to lie.
Discussion Questions:
1. What strengths did you list about yourself?
Chapter 4: Falling in Love
Discussion Questions:
What do you love learning about?
What is your allegiance?
- Make a choice to purposefully, and intentionally choose your allegiance.
- Is my allegiance to God, self, or others (being who I think other people want me to be, dressing how they dress, interests etc.)
Chapter 5: Scholar Phase
What is education all about if it’s not to teach us what is good, ideal, and right?
Book recommendation: The Student Whisperer
Chapter 6: Finding the Real You
Questions to ask yourself:
1. Do I live with integrity, or do I fudge things when it seems like it might help me?
2. Do I generally trust or mistrust the universe and my future?
3. Do I use ingenuity to overcome problems, even big ones, or do I get frustrated and give up or just expect someone else to bail me out?
4. Do I know that I am great and humbly accept that I will do great things, or do I fear being great or fear being mediocre or less than others?
5. Do I know my allegiance, absolutely and clearly?
6. Do I take initiative and do whatever needs to be done or that I want to do, or am I constantly thinking about my inability or waiting for others to lead out?
7. Do I feel approved of by myself, or do I seek a lot of external approval from others or achievements?
8. Do I use blame, or have I learned to focus on doing the right thing now and letting go of all blame, anger and stress?
9. Do I know that I have the power to create my best future, or do I spend my time doubting, worrying or feeling shame?
10. Do I say mostly nice things about myself openly and inside my head, or do I think or say a lot of bad things?
11. Do I openly admit my mistakes, or do I try to hide them or justify them?
12. Do I spend my time looking out for and helping the little guy or do I participate with others in looking down on people or thinking I’m better than others?
13. Do I complain or whine, or do I let go frustrating things and focus on the good?
14. Do I know I have a great mission in life and that to do it I’ll need a great education and am I taking action to get a truly great education?
15. Do I judge others or am I truly looking for a way to love and accept them?
16. I am on myself to get bored or do I take charge of my time and stay happily engaged in doing good?
17. Do I win well or do I gloat, or act arrogant, I think I’m superior to others?
18. Do I do things just to impress others or do I make decisions based on what I want to do and what I think is right for me?
19. Do I learned from my mistakes?
20. Do I lose well? Or do I get angry or sad? Or some other negative reaction?
21. Do I worry about what others think of me or do I make choices based on what I think is right regardless of what others may think?
22. Do I take smart risks or do I avoid failure at all costs?
Chapter 7: Success in the Next 20 Years
Chapter 8: One More Thing
“ If you think your best day is in the future, you’re only partially right. Because on your best day you will live fully in the now, happily, today, in the present moment—which is the only place you feel happy and the time when you have the most power!”
Chapter 1: Your Future
Instead of “genius” I prefer the synonyms: Great ability, talent, wisdom.
- Your education should be about becoming the best version of yourself.
Discussion questions:
1. What does “changing the world” look like to you?
2. What does it mean to be a leader? If you want to change the world, Go home and love your family. Mother Theresa
3. What is true wisdom? How do we recognize it?
Chapter 2: Classics
7 Keys of Great Teaching:
1. Classics, not textbooks Jo
2. Mentors, not professors
3. Inspire, not require
4. Structure time, not content
5. Quality, not conformity
6. Simple, not complex
7. You, not them
He starts chapter 1 talking about how everyone has greatness inside them and people are all born with “genius” inside them and a life’s mission and then the next chapter is comparing classes. For example “Likewise, those with classic-based education can achieve their life mission on the same level as the wealthy classes. Without a classic-based education, you just don’t know the secrets the educated wealthy know, and you will be forever relegated to the level that lesser-privileged classes have protested with relative futility for centuries.” (Pg 33)
“It is not an exaggeration to say that the ideas in these works are the difference between the rich/powerful/leaders and the poor/weak/masses.” (Pg 34)
These two chapters almost seem in conflict with each other. One elevates and empowers all, the next places people in a hierarchy based on education.
Chapter 3: Mentors
Alma Mater: mother of the soul. Where and with whom do I want to allegiance and title to lie.
Discussion Questions:
1. What strengths did you list about yourself?
Chapter 4: Falling in Love
Discussion Questions:
What do you love learning about?
What is your allegiance?
- Make a choice to purposefully, and intentionally choose your allegiance.
- Is my allegiance to God, self, or others (being who I think other people want me to be, dressing how they dress, interests etc.)
Chapter 5: Scholar Phase
What is education all about if it’s not to teach us what is good, ideal, and right?
Book recommendation: The Student Whisperer
Chapter 6: Finding the Real You
Questions to ask yourself:
1. Do I live with integrity, or do I fudge things when it seems like it might help me?
2. Do I generally trust or mistrust the universe and my future?
3. Do I use ingenuity to overcome problems, even big ones, or do I get frustrated and give up or just expect someone else to bail me out?
4. Do I know that I am great and humbly accept that I will do great things, or do I fear being great or fear being mediocre or less than others?
5. Do I know my allegiance, absolutely and clearly?
6. Do I take initiative and do whatever needs to be done or that I want to do, or am I constantly thinking about my inability or waiting for others to lead out?
7. Do I feel approved of by myself, or do I seek a lot of external approval from others or achievements?
8. Do I use blame, or have I learned to focus on doing the right thing now and letting go of all blame, anger and stress?
9. Do I know that I have the power to create my best future, or do I spend my time doubting, worrying or feeling shame?
10. Do I say mostly nice things about myself openly and inside my head, or do I think or say a lot of bad things?
11. Do I openly admit my mistakes, or do I try to hide them or justify them?
12. Do I spend my time looking out for and helping the little guy or do I participate with others in looking down on people or thinking I’m better than others?
13. Do I complain or whine, or do I let go frustrating things and focus on the good?
14. Do I know I have a great mission in life and that to do it I’ll need a great education and am I taking action to get a truly great education?
15. Do I judge others or am I truly looking for a way to love and accept them?
16. I am on myself to get bored or do I take charge of my time and stay happily engaged in doing good?
17. Do I win well or do I gloat, or act arrogant, I think I’m superior to others?
18. Do I do things just to impress others or do I make decisions based on what I want to do and what I think is right for me?
19. Do I learned from my mistakes?
20. Do I lose well? Or do I get angry or sad? Or some other negative reaction?
21. Do I worry about what others think of me or do I make choices based on what I think is right regardless of what others may think?
22. Do I take smart risks or do I avoid failure at all costs?
Chapter 7: Success in the Next 20 Years
Chapter 8: One More Thing
“ If you think your best day is in the future, you’re only partially right. Because on your best day you will live fully in the now, happily, today, in the present moment—which is the only place you feel happy and the time when you have the most power!”
May 17, 2019
Who am I? What is the real genuine me? ‘It is said that when God wants to change to world, he sends a baby.” Sometimes the change needed to too large for just one baby, so he sends a generation. We see this in Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington. Today God needs a change to occur and I am the baby He sent, my friend is the baby He sent, my generation was sent to change the world. Others may see me as a self centered teenager who is consumed in the things of the world. But I am much more than that, I am the change in the world. I lead my education and life by doing so I lead the world. In order to get this education I cannot follow the traditional or conveyor belt, I need an education unique to me and my mission.
The foundation and strength of every education depends on the quality and amount of books that you read. But just as important as reading great classics is a mentor who can hold you accountable and walk you through the lessons and teachings in the book. I am lacking mentors in my life, there are few adults who I have access to on a regular basis to who can read and discuss these types of books with me. I have a great Mom who can but I think so much like her I want someone with different experiences and life stories who can give me new insights and opinions.
Many things about learning excite me that I feel very motivated to learn, read, and discuss. We know that history repeats itself and there are four big sections that we see often.
1: Founding- Family and community relationships, Entrepreneurial Ability, Initiative and leadership Skills. Societal Forms. “Build a business to change the world.” Money to retire young and relax (from entrepreneurship and/or investing) Making Sure the Right Changes Happen
2. Awakening- Big institutions, Professional Careers, Investment, Credentials and Resume, Leisure and entertainment. Job Training.“You can’t get a real Job!” Savings and security for the family (from a steady job and bank savings accounts) Personal Status
3. Unraveling -Big institutions, Professional Careers, Investment, Credentials and Resume, Leisure and entertainment. Career Training “Build a business and sell it, retire young.” Savings and security for the family (from a steady job and bank savings accounts) Personal Wealth
4. Crisis- Family and community relationships, Entrepreneurial Ability, Initiative and leadership Skills. Family and Community Forms “Entrepreneur to survive, until the economy is better.” Money to retire young and relax (from entrepreneurship and/or investing) Making Sure the Right Side Wins
The foundation and strength of every education depends on the quality and amount of books that you read. But just as important as reading great classics is a mentor who can hold you accountable and walk you through the lessons and teachings in the book. I am lacking mentors in my life, there are few adults who I have access to on a regular basis to who can read and discuss these types of books with me. I have a great Mom who can but I think so much like her I want someone with different experiences and life stories who can give me new insights and opinions.
Many things about learning excite me that I feel very motivated to learn, read, and discuss. We know that history repeats itself and there are four big sections that we see often.
1: Founding- Family and community relationships, Entrepreneurial Ability, Initiative and leadership Skills. Societal Forms. “Build a business to change the world.” Money to retire young and relax (from entrepreneurship and/or investing) Making Sure the Right Changes Happen
2. Awakening- Big institutions, Professional Careers, Investment, Credentials and Resume, Leisure and entertainment. Job Training.“You can’t get a real Job!” Savings and security for the family (from a steady job and bank savings accounts) Personal Status
3. Unraveling -Big institutions, Professional Careers, Investment, Credentials and Resume, Leisure and entertainment. Career Training “Build a business and sell it, retire young.” Savings and security for the family (from a steady job and bank savings accounts) Personal Wealth
4. Crisis- Family and community relationships, Entrepreneurial Ability, Initiative and leadership Skills. Family and Community Forms “Entrepreneur to survive, until the economy is better.” Money to retire young and relax (from entrepreneurship and/or investing) Making Sure the Right Side Wins
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2021
Solid roadmap for a fulfilling life
The authors present clear and compelling information about getting a great, useful education. The writing flows smoothly. The tone is thought-provoking yet encouraging. Their points about education are measurable and actionable. It includes a good list of "Top 100" books that teens should read as part of a great education. The authors also include useful, insightful exercises for the reader. Overall it is a very worthwhile resource for both parents and teens.
The authors present clear and compelling information about getting a great, useful education. The writing flows smoothly. The tone is thought-provoking yet encouraging. Their points about education are measurable and actionable. It includes a good list of "Top 100" books that teens should read as part of a great education. The authors also include useful, insightful exercises for the reader. Overall it is a very worthwhile resource for both parents and teens.
July 12, 2017
I personally think all of the TJEd books are a must read. I really enjoyed the focus of this one towards helping teens (and adults) understand how to find their real selves and progress in their leadership education journey.
August 25, 2017
LOVED THIS BOOK!! <3
August 28, 2018
This would be a great book for all teens and their parents and teachers to read. It helped me gain a broader view of the necessity of deliberate learning
January 15, 2019
Great information. Great ideas.
Great information. Great ideas. Give s you a lot to think about. I love the wayit empowers youth. The ending is a little unsettling.
Great information. Great ideas. Give s you a lot to think about. I love the wayit empowers youth. The ending is a little unsettling.
January 31, 2023
Could be a meaningful class in high school. Content is for young adults and adults for a meaningful now and future.
Read
July 29, 2023Worth reading.
December 30, 2023
I would read this along with the book A Thomas Jefferson Education. I have a lot to say about this book, but Goodreads keeps shutting down on me! Maybe later…
December 22, 2009
Alrighty, finished!
I changed my rating because I have to admit that I was frustrated when I was writing before. It is difficult to be in the middle. Almost everyone I know is either adamantly in the "homeschool" crowd or equally adamant about "modern education." I can see the value to both. Also, my husband holds a position in the State Government Dept of Education. For various reasons, I wouldn't be supporting him if I decided to pull my kids out and homeschool.
I really liked the ending of the book. I loved the discussion of the Fourth Turning and plan on reading it soon. I also love the simulations in the end and I think my son will be doing some of them soonish. He is also doing the exercise of answering 22 questions in 22 days and all that follows that. I love it that he's willing to do this!
Older review: I had my thirteen year old read this book. I'd say that the biggest benefit he felt was from working on the exercises in the book. He was genuinely thrilled by the responses other people gave him including his best friend who echoed what his grandfather and father had to say about his gifts and potential. Though, when I asked him if it inspired him to want to read all of those classics for a leadership education, he said "Not really."
I'm about half way through and I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, I have read a couple of the other TJEd books and feel that this fills a hole and was needed. It seemed to me, after reading the others that scholar phase was somewhat of an enigma. This book spells out what happens and why with teens in this phase and provides some needed inspiration (even though my teen didn't call it inspiration, it seems inspirational to me). I find a great deal of inspiration in the TJEd method for myself. I feel that I did miss so much in my schooling years because I was the type of student who could have done just about anything, but chose to get by with just what was needed to get A's. Since I figured out the system very early on, I gypped myself (or the system gypped me if you look at it that way) of a really great education.
The problem I have is that we are not homeschoolers. Though the book does address those who may be attending public or private school, it clearly (imo)demeans both of these venues. I am pleased with the education my kids are getting in school. My children attend an elementary school (K-4) that in my opinion should be the envy of every parent. It's an international school representing at least 40 different countries and more than two dozen languages. It is very open and accepting of differences, including handicapped children. Plus, the teachers are exceptional. My kids have then progressed to a wonderful 5-6 building where they have been nurtured and taught by teachers who clearly love what they do and go the extra mile. My oldest is now in Middle School and really likes it. I can see the downfalls, somewhat, in his education compared to TJEd scholar phase, but I can also see things he is getting that he might not have the opportunities for if he were homeschooled (i.e the orchestra program--I could not afford music lessons plus orchestra at this time, ditto for gym which he enjoys immensely). We are active in supplementing at home (life skills, science, nature, reading, and math above and beyond helping with homework) and I wondered if I might be able to inspire my kids to work on the classics list over the period of their teenage years with "Thomas Jefferson Education for Teens" as required reading between ages 12-13. It is an experiment I have in mind and will continue with the pursuit of it. I'm hoping that as I read classics, I may have more ideas about how to inspire and mentor the same to my children.
But, what I don't have is a clear picture from the book that the authors see any value in public education. And that is something I don't like. Not everyone is able to educate their children at home. Some people, like me, want the best of both worlds and believe they can have it. I am not of the opinion that the world would be a better place if every parent were able to homeschool. So, the best I can do is try to apply the principles without becoming offended by the authors' strong bias.
I changed my rating because I have to admit that I was frustrated when I was writing before. It is difficult to be in the middle. Almost everyone I know is either adamantly in the "homeschool" crowd or equally adamant about "modern education." I can see the value to both. Also, my husband holds a position in the State Government Dept of Education. For various reasons, I wouldn't be supporting him if I decided to pull my kids out and homeschool.
I really liked the ending of the book. I loved the discussion of the Fourth Turning and plan on reading it soon. I also love the simulations in the end and I think my son will be doing some of them soonish. He is also doing the exercise of answering 22 questions in 22 days and all that follows that. I love it that he's willing to do this!
Older review: I had my thirteen year old read this book. I'd say that the biggest benefit he felt was from working on the exercises in the book. He was genuinely thrilled by the responses other people gave him including his best friend who echoed what his grandfather and father had to say about his gifts and potential. Though, when I asked him if it inspired him to want to read all of those classics for a leadership education, he said "Not really."
I'm about half way through and I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, I have read a couple of the other TJEd books and feel that this fills a hole and was needed. It seemed to me, after reading the others that scholar phase was somewhat of an enigma. This book spells out what happens and why with teens in this phase and provides some needed inspiration (even though my teen didn't call it inspiration, it seems inspirational to me). I find a great deal of inspiration in the TJEd method for myself. I feel that I did miss so much in my schooling years because I was the type of student who could have done just about anything, but chose to get by with just what was needed to get A's. Since I figured out the system very early on, I gypped myself (or the system gypped me if you look at it that way) of a really great education.
The problem I have is that we are not homeschoolers. Though the book does address those who may be attending public or private school, it clearly (imo)demeans both of these venues. I am pleased with the education my kids are getting in school. My children attend an elementary school (K-4) that in my opinion should be the envy of every parent. It's an international school representing at least 40 different countries and more than two dozen languages. It is very open and accepting of differences, including handicapped children. Plus, the teachers are exceptional. My kids have then progressed to a wonderful 5-6 building where they have been nurtured and taught by teachers who clearly love what they do and go the extra mile. My oldest is now in Middle School and really likes it. I can see the downfalls, somewhat, in his education compared to TJEd scholar phase, but I can also see things he is getting that he might not have the opportunities for if he were homeschooled (i.e the orchestra program--I could not afford music lessons plus orchestra at this time, ditto for gym which he enjoys immensely). We are active in supplementing at home (life skills, science, nature, reading, and math above and beyond helping with homework) and I wondered if I might be able to inspire my kids to work on the classics list over the period of their teenage years with "Thomas Jefferson Education for Teens" as required reading between ages 12-13. It is an experiment I have in mind and will continue with the pursuit of it. I'm hoping that as I read classics, I may have more ideas about how to inspire and mentor the same to my children.
But, what I don't have is a clear picture from the book that the authors see any value in public education. And that is something I don't like. Not everyone is able to educate their children at home. Some people, like me, want the best of both worlds and believe they can have it. I am not of the opinion that the world would be a better place if every parent were able to homeschool. So, the best I can do is try to apply the principles without becoming offended by the authors' strong bias.
March 16, 2017
A great book to guide teens (and adults) through life and in helping to become their best selves. It was a quick read and one I definitely plan to use to help my children.
April 12, 2013
Thomas Jefferson Education for Teens isn't just for kids. In fact, the subtitle is: And Every Adult Who Wants to Change the World. Appropriately so.
My wife and I learned about A Thomas Jefferson Education a few years ago and have been adopting the philosophy in our home. Many of our friends think it is a homeschool curriculum, but it is so much more.
Thomas Jefferson Education or Leadership Education is a philosophy, really a way of life, focused on discovering the genius in each of us and nurturing an awareness that we each have a purpose in life. The more clearly we define that purpose, the greater drive we feel to put in the effort to learn and develop and prepare for the future.
It's not hard to perceive how powerful this approach would be for a teenager struggling to pay attention at school. How different the focus of our entertainment-addicted would be if they understood their role in shaping the future!
You should read the book, because Oliver DeMille and Shanon Brooks explain it in an infinitely more inspiring way than my attempt.
Brooks and DeMille discuss the historical trends of the rise and decline of societies. We are at a critical point in that cycle, and we need adults and youth prepared to lead effectively with integrity and a sound understanding of principles.
Conventional wisdom tells us to study hard, get good grades, get a job, and save for retirement, but this approach no longer offers the security that it did in past decades. I think kids intuitively understand this considering more and more college graduates remain unemployed or underemployed. They start their adult lives with low paying jobs under a mountain of student loan debt. It's hard to have hope in that situation.
I see a lot of adults coming to this realization as the most experienced professionals in their field (consequently they are often the highest paid employees) are "let go" to ease constricting budgets. It definitely shook my confidence when I saw a bunch of highly competent ICU nurses replaced by new grad nurses without that literally life saving knowledge and experience. That decision was fueled by budgetary stress when the economy took a turn for the worse.
My intention is not to speak ill of professional training, but to point out that a different way of thinking is necessary in these changing times.
Politics is increasingly vitriolic, families are under attack, our prison system is saturated, the state of the nation's finances is a joke. We can no longer rely on the "experts" who evidently cannot solve the problems. Actually, even if we had wise and principled leaders, if the people don't understand and get involved we will never see positive change.
The key to steering our nation (and the world) through uncertainty and crisis toward prosperity and freedom is educated individuals. Not just those who have a fancy piece of paper from a university, but people who understand the questions discussed throughout the history of civilization, individuals versed in the various answers posited by philosophers and rulers, and those able to see the historical evidence of where those different routes inevitably take the societies that adopt them.
But understanding alone isn't enough. Those individuals must also learn to communicate effectively. They must develop the integrity to align their thoughts and actions with truth. They need initiative and drive. And they must be wise enough to know that fixing the world is too big for any one individual or small group of individuals.
We all have our role to play. What's yours? What are you doing to prepare for and fulfill that mission?
This book will help.
My wife and I learned about A Thomas Jefferson Education a few years ago and have been adopting the philosophy in our home. Many of our friends think it is a homeschool curriculum, but it is so much more.
Thomas Jefferson Education or Leadership Education is a philosophy, really a way of life, focused on discovering the genius in each of us and nurturing an awareness that we each have a purpose in life. The more clearly we define that purpose, the greater drive we feel to put in the effort to learn and develop and prepare for the future.
It's not hard to perceive how powerful this approach would be for a teenager struggling to pay attention at school. How different the focus of our entertainment-addicted would be if they understood their role in shaping the future!
You should read the book, because Oliver DeMille and Shanon Brooks explain it in an infinitely more inspiring way than my attempt.
Brooks and DeMille discuss the historical trends of the rise and decline of societies. We are at a critical point in that cycle, and we need adults and youth prepared to lead effectively with integrity and a sound understanding of principles.
Conventional wisdom tells us to study hard, get good grades, get a job, and save for retirement, but this approach no longer offers the security that it did in past decades. I think kids intuitively understand this considering more and more college graduates remain unemployed or underemployed. They start their adult lives with low paying jobs under a mountain of student loan debt. It's hard to have hope in that situation.
I see a lot of adults coming to this realization as the most experienced professionals in their field (consequently they are often the highest paid employees) are "let go" to ease constricting budgets. It definitely shook my confidence when I saw a bunch of highly competent ICU nurses replaced by new grad nurses without that literally life saving knowledge and experience. That decision was fueled by budgetary stress when the economy took a turn for the worse.
My intention is not to speak ill of professional training, but to point out that a different way of thinking is necessary in these changing times.
Politics is increasingly vitriolic, families are under attack, our prison system is saturated, the state of the nation's finances is a joke. We can no longer rely on the "experts" who evidently cannot solve the problems. Actually, even if we had wise and principled leaders, if the people don't understand and get involved we will never see positive change.
The key to steering our nation (and the world) through uncertainty and crisis toward prosperity and freedom is educated individuals. Not just those who have a fancy piece of paper from a university, but people who understand the questions discussed throughout the history of civilization, individuals versed in the various answers posited by philosophers and rulers, and those able to see the historical evidence of where those different routes inevitably take the societies that adopt them.
But understanding alone isn't enough. Those individuals must also learn to communicate effectively. They must develop the integrity to align their thoughts and actions with truth. They need initiative and drive. And they must be wise enough to know that fixing the world is too big for any one individual or small group of individuals.
We all have our role to play. What's yours? What are you doing to prepare for and fulfill that mission?
This book will help.
February 18, 2010
Excellent read for any teen or pre-teen (OR ADULT who needs guidance to GROW UP--like me.) Find the REAL YOU so you can fulfill your mission in life. Do it now! Don't waste time trying to "fit in" with others who are wearing masks... and subsequently experience mid-life crises because they discover the masks are unsustainable.
Oliver DeMille and Shanon Brooks inspire the reader to get a great education to prepare him to be the best real self he can be and fulfill the mission that he was sent here to fulfill. The reader is walked through the process of self-discovery and reminded the importance of God, parents, grandparents, and other adult mentors in his life decisions.
Don't pass up the opportunity to read this one, especially if you are in your teens or you know and love a teenager.
Merged review:
I read this book to Amber while she drove us each day to seminary in January. It was an assignment for a workshop she participated in and she was not finding the time to read it to herself. I'm really grateful that we had the opportunity to experience that book together. It opened a lot of doors in our relationship.
This is a fun read written for teens. Brooks and DeMille encourage the reader to think deeply about the implication of choices and education for one's individual mission in life. They inspire the reader to not settle for a mediocre education, but to get the best education they can get that will prepare them for a meaningful life of purpose.
A few times they tell the reader to put the book down and really think about this and write what they feel down. It is so important for teens to find their identity (it will affect everything they do in life) that they came up with 20+ questions about life and purpose to answer, but don't do it all at once, these are big questions that deserve at least a full day of thought. We are still working on the "Question of the Day" exercise and it has evoked some interesting conversations.
Bottom line, align yourself with God first and you will succeed in life--far better than you can imagine. Those whose allegiance is to self, others, or evil will reap ugly consequences. And that is the dire need of this rising generation--to be connected to God. The future of our country and our world depend on it.
Brilliantly executed, this is a must read for every teen and every parent.
Oliver DeMille and Shanon Brooks inspire the reader to get a great education to prepare him to be the best real self he can be and fulfill the mission that he was sent here to fulfill. The reader is walked through the process of self-discovery and reminded the importance of God, parents, grandparents, and other adult mentors in his life decisions.
Don't pass up the opportunity to read this one, especially if you are in your teens or you know and love a teenager.
Merged review:
I read this book to Amber while she drove us each day to seminary in January. It was an assignment for a workshop she participated in and she was not finding the time to read it to herself. I'm really grateful that we had the opportunity to experience that book together. It opened a lot of doors in our relationship.
This is a fun read written for teens. Brooks and DeMille encourage the reader to think deeply about the implication of choices and education for one's individual mission in life. They inspire the reader to not settle for a mediocre education, but to get the best education they can get that will prepare them for a meaningful life of purpose.
A few times they tell the reader to put the book down and really think about this and write what they feel down. It is so important for teens to find their identity (it will affect everything they do in life) that they came up with 20+ questions about life and purpose to answer, but don't do it all at once, these are big questions that deserve at least a full day of thought. We are still working on the "Question of the Day" exercise and it has evoked some interesting conversations.
Bottom line, align yourself with God first and you will succeed in life--far better than you can imagine. Those whose allegiance is to self, others, or evil will reap ugly consequences. And that is the dire need of this rising generation--to be connected to God. The future of our country and our world depend on it.
Brilliantly executed, this is a must read for every teen and every parent.
November 30, 2020
I like the holistic approach of this book, though it seems a bit overwhelming when first trying to take it all in. We were all born with greatness within us. And, this concept is right in line with my spiritual beliefs of the purpose of life. I was sent to this earth with certain talents and skills in order to complete a specific mission for my God and my fellow brothers and sisters on earth. We all have a great purpose.
The concept of education has become so muddied and complex, it seems difficult to even come up with any clear definition. And yet, DeMille lays it out very simply. The purpose of education is to discover our personal mission, develop our own inner genius, and then complete our mission. It is very simple. Education is frustrating when our divine nature and purpose is taken out of it. Put it back in, and education becomes very exciting.
And the road to that education is quite simple, albeit difficult to achieve. Parents must take the lead as mentors. They must seek their own great education, and inspire and help their children to do the same. This education involves studying the original works of the great minds and souls of humanity, deeply discussing and pondering on them, writing about them, and developing that greatness in ourselves. Of course, the path has to be individualized, because we all have our own, unique mission; and no one knows a child better than their own parent.
The key to great education lies before me. It's difficult to pick it up, because I know that I have a long ways to go in my own education. I know that it will be a lot of hard work. I will have to sacrifice for it. I will have to overcome many weaknesses within me. I will have to go out of my comfort zone.
But, I love my children. I do see greatness within them. I know that I have a God-given responsibility to raise them in righteousness and help them achieve their potential. I know that I must do the same for myself, and lead the way.
So, here it goes.
Hurrah for excellent education!
The concept of education has become so muddied and complex, it seems difficult to even come up with any clear definition. And yet, DeMille lays it out very simply. The purpose of education is to discover our personal mission, develop our own inner genius, and then complete our mission. It is very simple. Education is frustrating when our divine nature and purpose is taken out of it. Put it back in, and education becomes very exciting.
And the road to that education is quite simple, albeit difficult to achieve. Parents must take the lead as mentors. They must seek their own great education, and inspire and help their children to do the same. This education involves studying the original works of the great minds and souls of humanity, deeply discussing and pondering on them, writing about them, and developing that greatness in ourselves. Of course, the path has to be individualized, because we all have our own, unique mission; and no one knows a child better than their own parent.
The key to great education lies before me. It's difficult to pick it up, because I know that I have a long ways to go in my own education. I know that it will be a lot of hard work. I will have to sacrifice for it. I will have to overcome many weaknesses within me. I will have to go out of my comfort zone.
But, I love my children. I do see greatness within them. I know that I have a God-given responsibility to raise them in righteousness and help them achieve their potential. I know that I must do the same for myself, and lead the way.
So, here it goes.
Hurrah for excellent education!
May 11, 2021
Reading 2nd time: on p. 7
I have been reading about Leadership Education (AKA Thomas Education) since I was first introduced to it in 2004 when my oldest was 3. I still remember how it resonated with my soul. I felt so validated as I read some of my own previously reached conclusions about challenges I had personally experienced in my own educational career articulated in Oliver DeMille’s writings. And yet, I was skeptical and reticent about my ability to successfully apply those principles in the education of my own children. It took me another 8 years before I slowly began to embrace those principles. I have felt like a pioneer paving my own trail many times. I have definitely had ups and downs, but the more I attempt to practice these principles and the more I read about how to do it, the more grateful I am that I chose to step on to the path less traveled by. I finally finished this book after having started it multiple times. I particularly love the chapter on how to identify your own personal mission. It helped me to identify the many divine interventions that have all dove tailed to make it clearer every year what God put me on the earth to do. I am still learning how to do it. I love watching the fruits of my efforts as I watch my girls work at identifying their own divine missions. I love the emphasis put on gaining our own classic based scholar education and how we are responsible for seeking our own learning to match our mission. I love the book list for teens to read. I love the questions at the back of the book to help the individual explore their life to develop a clearer vision of who they really are. I love how entertaining and approachable it is for teens and yet applicable to adults.
I have been reading about Leadership Education (AKA Thomas Education) since I was first introduced to it in 2004 when my oldest was 3. I still remember how it resonated with my soul. I felt so validated as I read some of my own previously reached conclusions about challenges I had personally experienced in my own educational career articulated in Oliver DeMille’s writings. And yet, I was skeptical and reticent about my ability to successfully apply those principles in the education of my own children. It took me another 8 years before I slowly began to embrace those principles. I have felt like a pioneer paving my own trail many times. I have definitely had ups and downs, but the more I attempt to practice these principles and the more I read about how to do it, the more grateful I am that I chose to step on to the path less traveled by. I finally finished this book after having started it multiple times. I particularly love the chapter on how to identify your own personal mission. It helped me to identify the many divine interventions that have all dove tailed to make it clearer every year what God put me on the earth to do. I am still learning how to do it. I love watching the fruits of my efforts as I watch my girls work at identifying their own divine missions. I love the emphasis put on gaining our own classic based scholar education and how we are responsible for seeking our own learning to match our mission. I love the book list for teens to read. I love the questions at the back of the book to help the individual explore their life to develop a clearer vision of who they really are. I love how entertaining and approachable it is for teens and yet applicable to adults.
August 15, 2011
This book doesn't have much new for me, but groups everything together perfectly for my kids.
It goes through the basics of TJed, explains that they are in charge of their own education and that we are in a Fourth Turning and need them to be amazing leaders to rise up and lead us through it.
There is a new 100+40 reading list that has many familiar books and introduces some new books that we can't wait to read.
It has a step by step guide to help the reader ponder and focus on what they are good at and want in life. A great kick start to finding their mission. Many adults need this part.
DeMille and Brooks list the skills needed on how to be successful in a Fourth Turning which came from a talk DeMille gave in 2009.
An appendix has a bunch of simulations to try.
The following quote sums the message up:
"It is said that when God wants to change the world, he sends a baby- perfectly timed to grow, learn, prepare and then take action at the right moment.
But there are times when one baby won't suffice, when the challenges facing the world are just too great; and so instead of a great reformer or a few key thinkers, what is needed is a whole generation of leaders.
This happened in the sixth century BC, and in the first decade of the Common Era, then again the the American founding generation.
We believe it is happening again today..."
I believe this fully and passionately too.
May 28, 2014
History continues to go through a cycle. Every 100 years (give or take 20) our society tends to make it through four different "seasons".
Season 1: The Founding
Season 2: The Awakening
Season 3: The Unraveling
Season 4: The Crisis
(For more information on this subject read The Fourth Turning by Strauss and Howe. They researched over 3,000 years of history and found this cycle to be consistent)
Guess where we are?! That's right. Smack dab in the middle of Crisis. It began with 9/11 and continues with the current decline in our economy, We are facing some tough times ahead. Duh! Right? We've all figured that out by now (I think). But, have you figured out how to survive in our current season of Crisis? Or how we can make the upcoming season of Founding a successful one? If your answer is no (and even if your answer is yes) you need to read this book. Especially if you are a teenager or the parent of one.
Thomas Jefferson Education for Teens outlines what our youth need to do to prepare for and survive through the Crisis and Founding seasons of our country. And the advice is great for adults as well who are NOT narrow-minded and set in their ways. Having lived in a time of Awakening and Unraveling most adults have the wrong philosophy for how to survive in current times. This book can help you break down your paradigms and actually help you and your teen thrive in these difficult seasons.
Highly recommend this book. It is an easy read (I read it in 2 days).
June 14, 2016
There is a lot of indisputably great advice in this book, and it is quite motivating in tone. There is little to argue with in the beginning – fall in love with learning, take charge of your education, read classic books, find a mentor. However, this book becomes quite prescriptive, and the premise upon which the detailed recommendations are based is revealed towards the end to be The Fourth Turning by Strauss and Howe. Perhaps there is legitimacy to generational seasons and resulting speculations, but in the end they are just speculations, not the solid pillars on which one might want to rely for something as important as an educational philosophy. On the contrary, TJEd for Teens has this as an underlying foundation, with a goal to prepare for the upcoming change in “generational season”.
In this book that focuses on urging the reader to read more books, there is an abundance of recommendations of the authors’ other works as additional reading. This gives the impression of a very closed system, belonging to the authors only and being anything but collaborative. Many of the writings and recommended resources are intended to have the reader think beyond the established educational institution, but with the abundance of self-created resources intended to help readers “do” this method, the argument could be made that one is exchanging one institution for another.
In this book that focuses on urging the reader to read more books, there is an abundance of recommendations of the authors’ other works as additional reading. This gives the impression of a very closed system, belonging to the authors only and being anything but collaborative. Many of the writings and recommended resources are intended to have the reader think beyond the established educational institution, but with the abundance of self-created resources intended to help readers “do” this method, the argument could be made that one is exchanging one institution for another.
Read
February 16, 2017Excellent Read. Makes you want to go out and change the world.
January 27, 2024
If you are a youth who wants to change the world, this book is for you. If you want to get a great education and have a great future, this book is also for you. If you want to become a leader, this is a must read.
After reading this, I recommend trying A Thomas Jefferson Education: Teaching a Generation of Leaders for the Twenty-first Century. Like the authors pointed out, youth can handle both. The "teen version" just has a special message for the youth of today's world and puts emphasis on their (our) role.
The only other thing I would like to add is a quote you can find in the beginning of the book: "It is said that when God wants to change the world, He sends a baby - perfectly timed to grow, learn, prepare, and then take action at the right moment. But there are times when one baby won't suffice, when the challenges facing the world are just to great; and so instead of a great reformer or a few key thinkers, what is needed is a whole generation of leaders. This happened in 6th century B.C., and in the first decade of the Common Era, then again in the American Founding Generation. We believe it is happening again today..."
After reading this, I recommend trying A Thomas Jefferson Education: Teaching a Generation of Leaders for the Twenty-first Century. Like the authors pointed out, youth can handle both. The "teen version" just has a special message for the youth of today's world and puts emphasis on their (our) role.
The only other thing I would like to add is a quote you can find in the beginning of the book: "It is said that when God wants to change the world, He sends a baby - perfectly timed to grow, learn, prepare, and then take action at the right moment. But there are times when one baby won't suffice, when the challenges facing the world are just to great; and so instead of a great reformer or a few key thinkers, what is needed is a whole generation of leaders. This happened in 6th century B.C., and in the first decade of the Common Era, then again in the American Founding Generation. We believe it is happening again today..."
July 25, 2010
This book was so inspiring! This is a book to help you discover and be the "REAL YOU". It empowers youth to understand that not only are they truly great, but that they can do great things. It covers how to find your mission in life, and how to live with deliberate purpose to accomplish your goals.
I will give a copy of this book to each of my kids as they turn into teens and begin their "Scholar Phase". This book is important for parents to read with their children. It teaches you how to be a better mentor, and it helps the children be able to get more benefits from the what their parents can give.
What I appreciated most in this book was:
A great reading list for teens to start from to build their character and get a great leadership education.
Several places to write notes in the book to help the kids discover what they came here on earth to accomplish. Many of the chapters have "Homework" assignments.
The list of "Missions" and the list of the 23 great TEEN questions that all people (no matter HOW old) must answer for themselves to understand who they REALLY are so that when they are 45 they don't suffer a midlife crisis.
I wish I had had this book when I was a teenager!
I will give a copy of this book to each of my kids as they turn into teens and begin their "Scholar Phase". This book is important for parents to read with their children. It teaches you how to be a better mentor, and it helps the children be able to get more benefits from the what their parents can give.
What I appreciated most in this book was:
A great reading list for teens to start from to build their character and get a great leadership education.
Several places to write notes in the book to help the kids discover what they came here on earth to accomplish. Many of the chapters have "Homework" assignments.
The list of "Missions" and the list of the 23 great TEEN questions that all people (no matter HOW old) must answer for themselves to understand who they REALLY are so that when they are 45 they don't suffer a midlife crisis.
I wish I had had this book when I was a teenager!
October 24, 2016
This is a companion volume to A Thomas Jefferson Education and A Thomas Jefferson Education Home Companion, but it is written specifically to teens. In A Thomas Jefferson Education Oliver DeMille lays out a structure for a truly great education, not technical training for a job or even for a professional career, but vast and deep education using the great thinkers throughout the history of the world. And not just in math and science, but in every area of human endeavor. It's the type of education Thomas Jefferson received from mentors like George Wythe and others. In Thomas Jefferson Education for Teens he and Shannon Brooks write directly to teens about taking responsibility for their education, about developing a love for learning, and about being true to themselves—finding what is really important, what is most highly valued, and then living to those values. The three books are not a sequence, each book develops the idea of gaining a truly great education, but each book is written to a different audience. That said, there is still benefit in reading all three.
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