Thomas Jefferson was born at Shadwell Plantation in Goochland County, Virginia (later Albemarle County), the third of ten children to Peter Jefferson, a planter and surveyor, and Jane Randolph, a member of a prominent Virginia family. The family's social standing and Peter Jefferson's relatively high status within the colony significantly shaped his early experiences.

Jefferson began his formal education at the age of nine, studying under tutors and at a local school run by Reverend William Douglas. He learned Latin, Greek, and French, demonstrating a keen intellect and love for learning. This rigorous classical education formed the basis of his wide-ranging knowledge and philosophical outlook.

The death of Jefferson's father, Peter Jefferson, when Thomas was only 14, significantly impacted his life. He inherited land and enslaved people, which while providing financial security, it also placed adult responsibilities on him at a young age. This event undeniably shaped his views on inheritance and the burdens of aristocracy, indirectly influencing his later political philosophy.

Jefferson attended the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he was deeply influenced by Professor William Small, a Scottish intellectual. Small introduced Jefferson to modern science, philosophy, and literature, significantly broadening his intellectual horizons and challenging traditional societal norms.

After graduating from William & Mary, Jefferson read law under the tutelage of George Wythe, a prominent lawyer and jurist. This intensive study prepared him for a career in law and provided him with a solid foundation in legal principles and argumentation, skills he would later utilize in his political career.

Jefferson was admitted to the Virginia Bar, marking the beginning of his professional career as a lawyer. He practiced law for several years, gaining experience in legal proceedings and building his reputation within the Virginia legal community.