It is morally wrong for any man, whether he be king or priest, to have such power over another that he cannot act and think for himself. One he mentions is Jefferson's insistence that the human mind gains more by looking forward than backward. This was part of his effort to free the mind from the bigotry caused by the clerical canonization of the past. Adams also refers to Jefferson's reference to indolence, extravagance and infidelity to duty as cardinal sins. Adams is also impressed with his insistence that man make proper use of his time.
Indolence is a cause of much unhappiness.
He sees industry as the means to mental health. No laborious person was ever yet hysterical. Exercise and application produce order in our affairs, health of body and cheerfulness of mind, and these make us precious to our friends. It is while we are young that the habit of industry is formed. In spelling out some rules of good society, Jefferson mentions good humor as a preservative of peace and tranquility.