I think the question is about his own ideas, about the time in which he was living.
The ideas could be first , to be someone in that colonial society .He wanted to be considered an important member of the community where he lived so as to gain respect.
He was interested in defending the position of those who supported the independence of the colonies.
He was determined to show everybody that a person with a minor disability could still be useful .Disabilities do not stop a person from pursuing a dream.
He developed and learned not to be selfish or arrogant any more. He was engaged in securing the liberty of his fellow citizens.
