Fact Versus Myth

Our American history is full of myths.  Somehow these myths become so engrained in our society that they often take precedence over the truth.  Earlier in life, one of my grade school teachers taught me that Thomas Jefferson donated his personal library to Congress so that it could begin rebuilding its library after the British torched much of the US capital in the War of 1812.  I never questioned this and believed this for years.

Recently, in listening to "Twilight at Monticello" I learned that Jefferson sold rather than donating his books to what now is known as the Library of Congress.  He sold just over 6,000 books to the government for approximately $24,000.  Why?  He needed the money for our 3rd U.S. President was a spendthrift and had amassed a hugh personal debt that he continued piling up even after this sizable cash infusion.  Despite his stature in Virginia history, prominence as a founding father, approver of the Louisiana Purchase, and author of the Declaration of Independence, he was very unpopular in his 2nd term as President. 

In life, like history, myths perpetuate and become accepted as the truth.  Sadly, when confronted with the truth, many will cling to the myth despite ovewhelming evidence to the contrary.  Lesson to self:  don't believe everything we read, we hear, and are taught.  Think critically for oneself and seek the truth.