Imagine Thomas Jefferson, polymath and third President of the United States, sitting at a computer today, fingers poised over the keyboard, writing code. Jefferson's thoughts on individual liberty, public knowledge, and economic independence have shaped the American ethos for centuries. His Enlightenment-driven ideals would bring unique perspectives to the world of technology, pushing for open-source development, user empowerment, and ethical tech practices. So, what would software development look like if we applied Jeffersonian principles?
Open-Source Software and the Public Good
Jefferson was a champion of knowledge as a public resource, famously arguing that "knowledge is power" and should be as accessible as possible. If he were a developer today, he’d likely be an advocate for open-source software, seeing it as the ideal way to spread knowledge and innovation for everyone’s benefit.
In a Jeffersonian tech world, proprietary software might be viewed as an inhibitor to innovation, much like monopolies in his time were seen as threats to a free economy. Jefferson would probably champion software that anyone could study, modify, and share freely, helping others learn from the code and improve it for the public good.
Jeffersonian Takeaway: Encourage open access to code and software that promotes public knowledge. Technology should be designed to be understood and accessible to the general public, helping to increase collective knowledge.
Simplicity and Self-Reliance in Code
Jefferson believed in minimal government and the importance of self-reliance, a philosophy that would apply seamlessly to programming. His code would likely reflect these values—simple, lean, and devoid of unnecessary dependencies. Jefferson would encourage developers to write efficient, well-structured code that stands on its own rather than relying excessively on complex frameworks or libraries. Just as he promoted agrarian self-sufficiency, he would promote code that’s self-sufficient.
A Jeffersonian programming style would involve writing clear, well-documented code. This “keep it simple” philosophy would lead to systems that are easier to maintain and more resilient to external changes.
Jeffersonian Takeaway: Prioritize simplicity and self-reliance in code. Code should be easy to understand, maintain, and modify by the programmer and anyone else who may work on it in the future.
Decentralized and Community-Driven Development
Jefferson was wary of centralized power and favored decentralized governance, with decisions being made at the local level. Applying this principle, Jefferson would likely support decentralized technology, perhaps seeing blockchain or distributed systems as a modern version of his ideal society, where the control is spread among many rather than consolidated in a few hands.
Instead of tech giants controlling data and platforms, he would push for community-driven development. Decentralized, peer-to-peer networks would be Jefferson’s preference for data sharing, allowing people to maintain their independence while still collaborating for the greater good. Technologies like federated services and open protocols would align with his belief in independence and local control.
Jeffersonian Takeaway: Favor decentralization in both technology and data control, reducing the risk of monopolistic powers and promoting user autonomy.
Ethical Development and User Consent
Jefferson believed deeply in the rights of individuals, seeing freedom and consent as core to a functioning society. If he were writing code, he’d likely be a strong advocate for user consent and ethical data handling, perhaps demanding complete transparency from tech companies about how data is collected, stored, and used.
He would see personal data as private property, something inherently tied to the individual’s rights. Jefferson would likely support development practices where user data is only used with clear, affirmative consent and stored in ways that respect users’ autonomy and privacy. For him, respecting user data would be akin to respecting the individual’s fundamental rights.
Jeffersonian Takeaway: Prioritize ethical development practices that respect user autonomy and privacy. Developers should commit to transparency and actively seek user consent when handling personal data.
Economic Independence Through Technology
Jefferson was a strong proponent of economic independence, and in a tech world, he would advocate for this through financial and digital literacy. He’d probably see knowledge of coding as akin to an economic skill, vital to independence in today’s society. Jefferson would encourage individuals to learn to code, not only as a profession but as a means to be self-reliant in a world increasingly governed by digital systems.
Moreover, he would likely push for technology that empowers smaller businesses to compete against large corporations, perhaps by building tools and platforms accessible to everyone, not just the wealthiest. Jefferson would promote the creation of platforms where small developers and companies can thrive without paying exorbitant fees to larger corporations.
Jeffersonian Takeaway: Create technology that supports economic independence and provides equal opportunities. Promote coding literacy as a pathway to empowerment and self-reliance.
Democratizing Knowledge Through Digital Education
Jefferson’s educational ideals are famous; he founded the University of Virginia with the idea that knowledge should be widely accessible and empower individuals to become informed citizens. In the programming world, this would translate to advocating for accessible education in technology and digital skills.
He would likely be a fan of online educational platforms and open-access courses. Jefferson would push for free or low-cost education for anyone interested in learning to code, viewing it as a modern equivalent of civic education, critical for a functioning society.
Jeffersonian Takeaway: Make programming knowledge widely available. Advocate for educational initiatives and resources that make technology skills accessible to everyone.
Conclusion: A Jeffersonian Manifesto for Programmers
In a world where Jefferson’s ideals shaped technology, we would see an emphasis on open-source development, simplicity, decentralization, ethical user consent, and economic independence. His principles would create a programming culture focused on public access to knowledge, ethical practices, and community-driven progress. Technology would serve as a means to empower individuals, respect their rights, and promote a fair and well-versed digital society.
By embracing these Jeffersonian values in tech, we could create a world where software development uplifts individuals, honors their independence, and truly serves the public good.
