Most people would affirm the genius of Thomas Jefferson. He was an eloquent
writer, an inquisitive thinker and a great inventor. Those who visit the
Jefferson home, Monticello, are amazed at his many innovations and inventions.
One invention, however, is an inspiration for a different reason. Jefferson
designed a concept for a calendar clock. He began installing the clock and in
the middle of installation discovered he had made an error. There was not
enough space in his main room to accommodate all of the clock's works. Rather
than give up, Jefferson cut holes in his floor and ran part of the clock's
works into the basement, even part of the clock that was to identify the days
of the week. To fully read the clock, you would have to go into the basement.
This could be seen as a monument to perseverance and so it is, but it is also a
reminder that even geniuses make mistakes.
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Illustration by J. Michael Shannon, Professor of Preaching, Cincinnati Bible
College & Seminary, Cincinnati, OH.