The book makes the case that Thomas Jefferson -- Founding Father, 3rd president of the United States, and principal author of the Declaration of Independence -- suffered from a condition known as Asperger's Syndrome.
Asperger's Syndrome is a developmental disorder closely tied to autism and characterized by higher than average intellectual ability coupled with impaired social skills and restrictive, repetitive patterns of activities and interest.
Ledgin contends that Jefferson exhibited a bevy of characteristics that unequivocally placed him on the autism-Asperger's continuum:
- As a law student at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, he frequently studied 15 hours a day. He spoke four languages and learned to read Latin, Greek, Italian, French, and Spanish.
- He had a remarkable memory that served his enormous knowledge in a wide array of subjects, from architecture and law to botany and horticulture.
- He was socially awkward; not only did he struggle to make eye contact with others, but he was a poor public speaker.
- He preferred to sit at his desk and write quietly than debate in public. It's no surprise, then, that he delivered his speeches in writing.
- He had sensitivities to noise and touch. For example, he wore soft fabrics that would not feel scratchy against his sensitive skin.
- Many who have autism or Asperger's are known to make endless lists and collect information in a number of areas of interest. Jefferson carried an account book with him and compulsively recorded data -- from the distance his carriage traveled and weather measurements to his inventory of crops and slaves.
- He became obsessed with the building of Monticello, his home and gardens, down to the smallest details. The same can be said of his founding the University of Virginia, for which he drew a plan for curricula, student entrance qualifications, student accommodations, and the organization of administration and faculty.
- The detail-oriented Jefferson adhered to daily routines without fail and was laser-focused on a slew of pet projects.
The book maintains that Jefferson displayed what is known as specific-to-general thinking. As is common in people who have Asperger's Syndrome, he had the capacity to look at a lot of specific details and then piece them together into a whole. He could pick out the most significant information in a sea of information.
Unlike most people, who go from a general concept to specifics, Jefferson went from specific details to forming a general principle. For instance, he listed the most important 147 books on politics, religion, fine arts, history, law, philosophy, and natural history that a learned person should have in their library.
The author goes on to note that autism and Asperger's Syndrome are neurological disorders that a child is born with, and that Jefferson's may have been passed down through his mother's family, the Randolphs.
There's no question that Thomas Jefferson was brilliant, if eccentric. No president since him has had as many deep intellectual interests -- thus the reason I find him so fascinating.
One question I've found myself asking time and time again is: Would Jefferson have been as successful in the 21st century as he was in the 18th and 19th centuries?
My guess is that he would not. Even though Jefferson was born into wealth and privilege, his poor social skills would be a major handicap in an age where employers expect employees to possess teamwork and communication skills. While Jefferson would surely excel at composing emails, memos, reports, and other written materials, he'd undoubtedly struggle to speak up in meetings, much like he did during the Second Continental Congress and at other public engagements.
As an introvert, I can honestly say that I share Jefferson's preference for written (rather than verbal) communication. Aside from the fact that writing is not only my trade but also my primary hobby, I become easily drained by too much social interaction, and I suspect Jefferson was the same way.
Like Jefferson, I also have an intellectual bent. While Jefferson loved delving into everything from architecture to inventions, I am deeply passionate about psychology and history, which Ledgin's book melds seamlessly.
While Ledgin's argument that Jefferson had Asperger's is purely speculative, there's no question that, given his unusual quirks; obsessive tendencies; and quiet, aloof nature, it's very possible the Founding Father did indeed suffer from a condition many people know little about -- one that wasn't even classified until over 150 years after Jefferson's death.
Even if you're not a history buff, I highly recommend this fascinating book.
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