Greek philologist Adamantios Korais and the third US President, Thomas Jefferson. Original photos: Public domain; Illustration: Greek ReporterPhilologist Adamantios Korais and the third American President, Thomas Jefferson, exchanged important correspondence during the Greek War of Independence, sharing ideas on the concepts of democracy and liberty.
The little-known friendship and exchange of ideas between the two men can be found in the letters they wrote to each other, which are preserved in the Korais Library on the island of Chios.
The Greek scholar had a deep knowledge of his nation’s ancient culture and was one of the most important representatives of the modern Greek enlightenment. He was also a pioneer in the publication of ancient Greek philosophy and literature.
Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States of America, served two consecutive terms (1801-1809) and was the main author of the Declaration of Independence. He was also a proponent of the separation of church and state and founded the University of Virginia.
“Equality between people and individual well-being is now recognized as the only legitimate objective goals of a government,” Jefferson wrote to Korais in 1823.
