"I am an Epicurean. I consider the genuine (not the imputed) doctrines of Epicurus as containing everything rational in moral philosophy which Greek and Roman leave to us"

Thomas Jefferson is revealing his adoration for the viewpoint of Epicurus, a Greek philosopher who lived in the 4th century BC. He thinks that Epicurus' mentors include all the reasonable elements of ethical philosophy that have been delegated us by the Greeks and Romans. Jefferson is an Epicurean, meaning he follows the mentors of Epicurus, which stress the pursuit of satisfaction and avoidance of pain. Epicurus believed that pleasure was the greatest excellent which the purpose of life was to look for satisfaction and prevent discomfort. He also thought that the gods were not involved in human affairs and that death was the end of existence. Jefferson's quote suggests that he agrees with Epicurus' mentors and thinks that they are the most reasonable technique to ethical viewpoint. He is also suggesting that Epicurus' teachings are the only ones that are genuinely rational and must be followed.