There are whispers going around the country.
George Washington and John Adams are shaking their heads.
So, what did Thomas Jefferson do this time and how does it relate to Joe Rogan?
George Washington and John Adams are shaking their heads.
So, what did Thomas Jefferson do this time and how does it relate to Joe Rogan?
The British Minister, Anthony Merry, stood in the President's House in absolute shock.
Merry was there from London to present his credentials to the US President.
Thomas Jefferson stood there in his pajamas and slippers.
Merry was there from London to present his credentials to the US President.
Thomas Jefferson stood there in his pajamas and slippers.
The year was 1803.
The Secretary of State James Madison had brought the British Minister to the President.
Merry had considered this a serious event, dressing in full attire.
The Secretary of State James Madison had brought the British Minister to the President.
Merry had considered this a serious event, dressing in full attire.
The British Minister had been sporting a full diplomatic uniform:
- Blue dress coat with gold braid
- A plumed hat
- White breeches with white silk stockings
- And a dress sword
The British took their outfits seriously.
- Blue dress coat with gold braid
- A plumed hat
- White breeches with white silk stockings
- And a dress sword
The British took their outfits seriously.
Jefferson didn't feel quite the same way.
Merry had been disgusted with Jefferson's "utter slovenliness."
Jefferson couldn't care less though.
Merry had been disgusted with Jefferson's "utter slovenliness."
Jefferson couldn't care less though.
Here is a quote from Merry's actual report:
"I, in my official costume, found myself at the hour of reception he had himself appointed, introduced to a man as president of the United States, not merely in an undress, but actually...
"I, in my official costume, found myself at the hour of reception he had himself appointed, introduced to a man as president of the United States, not merely in an undress, but actually...
...standing in slippers down to the heels, and both pantaloons, coat, and under-clothes indicative of utter slovenliness and indifference to appearances, and in a state of negligence actually studied."
This wasn't a rare occurrence either.
When the Senator of New Hampshire, William Plumer traveled to the President's House, he was greeted by a man in an old brown coat and slippers.
This was Jefferson of course, but the Senator thought it was a servant.
When the Senator of New Hampshire, William Plumer traveled to the President's House, he was greeted by a man in an old brown coat and slippers.
This was Jefferson of course, but the Senator thought it was a servant.
Jefferson thought both Washington and Adams had followed the British lead a bit too much.
He was of the opinion that they'd acted too much like kings.
Jefferson was irritated by kings, to say the least...
He was of the opinion that they'd acted too much like kings.
Jefferson was irritated by kings, to say the least...
So, Jefferson was determined to change things.
In his eyes, the Revolution had been an end to tyranny and the days of fancy titles, intricate regalia, powdered wigs, and other aristocratic nonsense had passed.
He believed that he was just another voting member of the Republic.
In his eyes, the Revolution had been an end to tyranny and the days of fancy titles, intricate regalia, powdered wigs, and other aristocratic nonsense had passed.
He believed that he was just another voting member of the Republic.
After defeating Adams in the election of 1800, Jefferson was determined to show everyone what true democratic-republicanism looked like.
And he succeeded.
And he succeeded.
Jefferson's supporters loved him.
They adored his down-to-earth nature and approach to leading the Free country.
He was considered a Man of the People.
They adored his down-to-earth nature and approach to leading the Free country.
He was considered a Man of the People.
So, I won't keep laboring on about Jefferson's nightgown but what can we learn from this?
Well, it's important to note that Jefferson wasn't always like this.
Jefferson spent five years in France serving as the United States minister plenipotentiary.
(plenipotentiary def: a diplomatic agent who possessed full power and authority but ranked below an ambassador)
Jefferson spent five years in France serving as the United States minister plenipotentiary.
(plenipotentiary def: a diplomatic agent who possessed full power and authority but ranked below an ambassador)
During Jefferson's time in Paris, he made the rounds visiting and speaking with the French Aristocracy.
In order to do so, he would have had to dress with the utmost elegance and class.
In order to do so, he would have had to dress with the utmost elegance and class.
So, Jefferson's way of dressing while in office appears to be purposeful.
He wanted to be seen as a Man of the People.
What's one of the best ways to do that?
Look like them.
He wanted to be seen as a Man of the People.
What's one of the best ways to do that?
Look like them.
Jefferson wasn't necessarily a slob of a person.
He was just optimizing his influence through appearances.
Who else does this?
Joe Rogan.
He was just optimizing his influence through appearances.
Who else does this?
Joe Rogan.
One of the core reasons the Joe Rogan Experience is the #1 podcast in the world is because the public relates to Rogan.
For the most part, he dresses in normal clothing and cares very little about extravagant appearances.
The result?
Tons of support due to relatability.
For the most part, he dresses in normal clothing and cares very little about extravagant appearances.
The result?
Tons of support due to relatability.
Rogan believes in the common man and for good reason.
People are more curious and intelligent than we often give them credit for.
Rogan has figured this out and his approach has worked quite well for him.
People are more curious and intelligent than we often give them credit for.
Rogan has figured this out and his approach has worked quite well for him.
Elon Musk is another person who leans toward more casual appearances and he's experienced the same outcome as Rogan.
Musk is considered by many to be a Man of the People.
Obviously, there's more to Jefferson, Rogan and Musk's success than attire but don't overlook it!
Musk is considered by many to be a Man of the People.
Obviously, there's more to Jefferson, Rogan and Musk's success than attire but don't overlook it!
KNOWLEDGE:
- Be a human and relax about appearances a bit (of course this can be taken too far - be reasonable here).
- People like who they can relate to - the more relatability you can offer as a leader, the more support you are granted.
NOTE: Jefferson made it to 83 yearsβ¦
- Be a human and relax about appearances a bit (of course this can be taken too far - be reasonable here).
- People like who they can relate to - the more relatability you can offer as a leader, the more support you are granted.
NOTE: Jefferson made it to 83 yearsβ¦
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