Exploring Thomas Jefferson's Hypocrisy and Treatment of Slaves

Thomas Jefferson's approach to slavery represents a deep hypocrisy, characterized by a mental contract that exempted him from personal accountability. He framed the relationship with his slaves as a bilateral agreement where he promised fair treatment but threatened harsh consequences for inadequate production. This mindset allowed him to blame the slaves for any punishments they received, thereby absolving himself of guilt. Jefferson consistently sought personal justifications in all aspects of his life—be it as a politician, farmer, husband, or father—finding ways to excuse his actions. The complexity of his attitudes is highlighted further against the backdrop of his correspondence with Benjamin Banneker, a highly skilled black mathematician and almanac creator, who demonstrated both intellectual and practical abilities surpassing Jefferson's. Despite Banneker's accomplishments and education, which showcased the potential of black individuals, Jefferson's perspective remained rigid, exposing the contradictions in his views on race and morality during his lifetime.