The Pursuit of Happiness

The book explores the Virginia gentry's retreat into domestic life during Jefferson's era, following the Revolutionary War. It highlights a shift towards a sentimental religion that emphasized detachment from worldly woes and the belief in individual responsibility for personal destiny. Despite societal notions of success, happiness remained elusive, prompting Virginians to seek fulfillment in love and familial bonds. This emotional journey marked a departure from the previous century's restraint, as individuals pursued deeper connections in their quest for happiness.