I was in the EGMT 1540 class, 'Thinking Like a Scientist,' and this statement reminded me of some topics of the course. We discussed how many established and well-known people reject science and facts, and instead see the science as opinion at times, on both sides of the political spectrum. For example, many do not believe in climate change, yet climate change is a scientific fact and is not something that can be believed in or not believed in. On the other side, many believe GMOs cause cancer, or other detrimental effects, when in fact nothing has shown this. These persons are considering 'the learned sciences as useless acquirements' when convenient. Clearly, there were some 'good men' during Jefferson's time as well that had a similar train of thought and lack of value for science. In reality, science is fact and is the basis for future discussions, innovations and policy.

I believe this phrase speaks to the idea of holding others accountable for their actions. As first years, we've been in various talks and seminars discussing the importance of honor and accountability, and so reading this sentence reminded me of this. I find it interesting that the idea has carried into today. However, it seems that in the history of UVA, many people have not been accountable for their actions. These actions include slave-owning, discrimination, and sexual harassment. In addition, it is ironic because UVA specifically did not allow women and non-white people as students until later than other universities did. So, it seems UVa has not always held itself accountable and done the right thing.

In the paragraph that begins with " in the education of youth, provision is to be made for1.tuition 2 diet..." talks about guidelines rules, government and discipline at the university. Specifically, they pointed out that using fear as a way to enforce and encourage strong charcater and moral behavior was not right and adequate. This makes it seem as if using fear and "corporal punishments, and servile humiliations" may have been a norm of the time, and the authors of the report wished to make clear that UVA was going to use more progressive and effective measures regarding discipline.

It's interesting to note that the report shows room for modifying the physical layout of the university and adding buildings. More specifically, this part shows that Jefferson did not want religion to be the focus of learning. Contrary to other educational institutions at the time, where the church was the center of the university, Jefferson envisioned something different. He planned for a library or other educational building to be the center, and this sentence shows his revolutionary thinking in this way.