First Principles

In this book, Thomas E. Ricks explores the educations and classical knowledge of the first four American presidents—George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison.

Ricks delves into how their different exposures to classical literature and philosophy, including works by Aristotle, Epicurus, and Cicero, influenced their ideals and the formation of the United States.

The book follows these leaders from their youths to their adult lives, highlighting how their classical education shaped the country's constitution and government, and offers new insights into these legendary leaders.