Is there a compelling tradition of wisdom in American life? The world looks to the example of America for many things—for independence, for ideals of freedom and equality, for industry, wealth, and opportunity—but seldom for wisdom! Yet through the length of American history runs a current of “plain living and high thinking” that draws upon the world’s many wisdom traditions, at last to reflect that ancient light back to the world as something radically new. In this part I, we examine the revolutionary wisdom of the 18th century American Enlightenment by focusing on Thomas Jefferson and Williamsburg.