James Madison University - Index

James Madison University - Liberty & Learning - Index

Princeton university
piedmont, princeton, and an educated citizenry
maximizing human liberty and ensuring its citizens their “unalienable” rights
to pursue their own personal happiness. Government, Madison believed, was a
creation of man and a solemn contract designed to protect liberty and promote
social harmony. In an era where monarchies, pashas, tyrannies, and despots still
dominated, his beliefs were truly revolutionary.
Through sheer determination and hard work, the young Madison was able to
complete his academic studies in just two years, but his rigorous, self-imposed
regimen came at the expense of his health. In a letter written in 1773 to Madison,
William Bradford commented, “You alarm me, by what you tell me about
your health. I believe you hurt your constitution while here, by too close an
application to study; but I hope ’tis not so bad with you as you seem to imagine.
Persons of the weakest Constitutions by taking a proper care of themselves often
out live those of the strongest.” 26 Madison was too ill to attend his own commencement
exercises in 1771, let alone risk the difficult journey to return home
to Virginia. Instead, he spent the following year engaged in post-graduate studies
under the direct supervision of the Reverend John Witherspoon, using this time
to study Hebrew and theology. The academic life was invigorating for Madison;
scholarly pursuits and the world of books had a far greater appeal to him than a
life of drudgery managing tobacco production and wasting time in the frivolous
leisure pursuits of the carefree Virginia gentry.
When Madison did finally return home to Montpelier in 1772, he once again
resided with his parents and their still-expanding family. It would prove to be
one of the most emotionally trying periods of Madison’s life, filled with youthful
angst and mental anguish at the prospect of a future that was all too ordi-
The Reverend John
Witherspoon. Witherspoon
was the
newly appointed
president of the College
of New Jersey at
the time of Madison’s
matriculation. He
served as Madison’s
academic mentor and
would later become
the only clergyman
to sign the Declaration
of Independence.
19
nary and predictable. In
truth, Madison was directionless
and uncertain
about what he hoped to
do with his life, readily
acknowledging, “My customary
enjoyments [are]
Solitude and Contemplation.”
27 During this time,
he helped out around the
plantation and assumed
the primary responsibil-