Jefferson on Morality

In Jefferson's letters and writings about morality he defines morality by emphasizing the importance of education and exercise of virtues.  He says we are all born with an innate sense of right and wrong, but on a basic level.  According to Jefferson, we have to exercise virtuous behavior to instill a sense of morality within us.  He says that the more education and exercise we receive, the greater these habits become.  He stresses exercising morality just as we exercise body parts.  Though we are born with a conscience, he says we must practice restraint and follow education and instruction to achieve an elevated sense of morality.  Also, he moves away from self-love and egoism and argues that morality means how we are in relationships with other people.  Jefferson's arguments about morality make sense.  Practicing virtues does make us moral.  However, more education does not always mean we are moral. I agree that education makes us more well rounded and gives us a greater understanding of the world, but it does not ensure that we will practice virtues and do the right thing.  I agree with what he says about exercising virtues to turn them into habits which strengthen over time, but I do not agree with him about education.  I feel like the education aspect of his argument is pretty basic and is too optimistic.  People and circumstances are situational and just because people have learned about morals and virtue does not ensure that they will carry them out.