One of the books that have influenced us to prepare our mission statement is “A Thomas Jefferson Education”. The information below are excerpts from this book that will describe the focus we have chosen to adopt and strive for.

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A statesman is a type of leader who takes character and moral character into small business and major corporations, for media and entertainment, home and universities, hospitals and law firms, the military or the clergy, and government. A statesman applies statesmanship to industry, academia, government, or whatever career path they choose. Individuals with such training think and act in a certain way. There decisions are rooted in history, based on true principles, and made concerning the long term impact on society. The result is an uncommon individual, guided by virtue, wisdom, diplomacy, and courage.

1. Virtue - Two types of virtue are essential to statesmanship : private virtue, which consists of basic honesty, integrity, and character, in both public trusts and in one's personal life; and public virtue, voluntarily sacrificing personal comfort or benefits for the good of the nation or community. Virtue is listed as the first of the four character traits as all true greatness flows from goodness, core integrity, and the willingness to sacrifice and serve. Diplomacy. As Albert Schweitzer put it: “I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will really be happy are those who have sought and have found how to serve”
2. Wisdom - The wise statesman has mastered the ability to seek and obtain effective answers to problems. To foresee the ramifacations of potential actions and to implement solutions by the most enlightened means available. Alfred North Whitehead said, “The habits of the active utilization of well-understood principles are the final possession of wisdom.” Wisdom combines knowledge, understanding, and the ability to apply them effectively.
3. Diplomacy - Good ideas, however ideal, must be applied in the real world by real people in order to make a positive difference. A statesman must build bridges, build on common ground, find and implement alternatives and cooperate with others to accomplish the most important goals.
4. Courage - Adversity and challenge are the terrain for statesmanship and only courage successfully carries the day. Winston Churchill said, “Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees all of the others.” Statesman need courage both to act and to act rightly. Statesmen must exercise their will, choose to act and persevere. As Churchill also said “Never, Never, Never give up.” Courage is the catalyst of other character traits; It allows one to choose, act and endure.
5. The ability to inspire greatness in others - This is done by personifying greatness yourself, both by what you say, and who you are. To inspire greatness is to model it for others, to communicate effectively, and then to catalyze and lead action.
6. The ability to move the cause of liberty - Movement requires action. The cause of liberty is that of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” where every man and woman is able to accept personal accountability and pursue happiness as they see fit within the bounds of proper behavior toward others. To move the cause of liberty, statesmen must combine the characteristics of virtue, wisdom, diplomacy, courage, and greatness.

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