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How the Classics Inspired America's Founders

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Jul 3, 2025

Guest

Jeffery Rosen

Jeffery Rosen, a prominent American legal scholar and president of the National Constitution Center, discusses the deep influence of classical philosophy on America’s Founding Fathers. He highlights how Aristotle and Cicero shaped their ideals of virtue and happiness. The conversation emphasizes the importance of moral philosophy and deep reading for personal growth. Rosen also explores how accessible translations of classical texts can enhance understanding and urges listeners to engage with the Constitution’s principles for a thriving future.

33:51

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insights

INSIGHT

Pursuit of Happiness Means Virtue

The Founding Fathers' phrase 'the pursuit of happiness' means the pursuit of virtue, not pleasure.
The phrase traces back to Aristotle, Cicero, and was central to Enlightenment thinkers influencing America.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Adams and Jefferson's Eclectic Readings

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson shared letters discussing diverse ancient philosophies including Hindu Vedas and Stoicism.
Jefferson identified as an Epicureanist, defining it as rational contraction of desire.

insights

INSIGHT

Classics Shaped Early American Education

Classical wisdom shaped American culture and education well into the early 20th century.
Figures like Frederick Douglass accessed classic texts through popular readers to inspire abolitionism.

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Classical Foundations of American Happiness

01:32 • 19min

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The Pursuit of Virtue Through Literature

20:10 • 8min

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Navigating the Classics: The Importance of Accessible Translations

27:42 • 2min

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The Timeless Importance of Constitutional Principles

Locke's conduct of understanding

John Locke

#27000

Xenophon's Memoirs of Socrates

Sarah Fielding

Xenophon

#20619

Cicero's Tusculum Questions

• Mentioned in 10 episodes

Odyssey

Homer

#21983

Cicero-Tusculine Disputations

Cicero

Cicero's 'Tusculan Disputations' is a series of philosophical dialogues exploring how to achieve happiness and tranquility in the face of adversity. Written after the death of his daughter, Cicero draws on Stoic and Academic philosophy to examine the nature of suffering, death, and the role of virtue in overcoming life's challenges. He argues that true happiness is found not in pleasure or external goods, but in the cultivation of wisdom, reason, and moral excellence. The dialogues cover topics such as the fear of death, the acceptance of pain, and the importance of self-control. Cicero champions the power of philosophy to console and guide individuals toward a life of virtue and inner peace.

#57836

Lord Kames's Natural Religion

Lord Kames

#31267

Lord Bolingbroke's Philosophical Works

Lord Bolingbroke

#2485

• Mentioned in 11 episodes

Iliad

Homer

#2909

• Mentioned in 9 episodes

Epictetus

This book compiles the complete surviving works of Epictetus, a prominent Stoic philosopher. It includes his Discourses, which were transcribed by his pupil Arrian, the Handbook (Enchiridion), a practical guide to moral self-improvement, and various Fragments. Epictetus's teachings focus on distinguishing between what is within our control and what is not, accepting nature's course, and living a virtuous life through rigorous self-discipline. Edited and translated by Robin Waterfield, this collection brings Epictetus's insights to modern readers on how to cope with various life challenges.

#26999

Tacitus

Ronald Mellor

Tacitus, a Roman historian and senator, wrote several significant works, including the Annals and Histories. His writings provide valuable insights into the Roman Empire, particularly the reigns of the Julio-Claudian and Flavian emperors. Known for his sharp observations and critical perspective, Tacitus's works offer a nuanced portrayal of Roman politics, society, and military campaigns. His style is characterized by its conciseness and powerful imagery, making his accounts both informative and engaging.

#3897

• Mentioned in 7 episodes

Seneca

• Mentioned in 741 episodes

Meditations

Marcus Aurelius

Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.

#1541

• Mentioned in 16 episodes

• Mentioned in 72 episodes

Nicomachean Ethics

Aristotle

The Nicomachean Ethics is Aristotle's most renowned work on ethics, focusing on the science of the good for human life. The text is divided into ten books and discusses the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as 'happiness' or 'flourishing,' which is achieved through living a virtuous life. Aristotle argues that eudaimonia is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue, emphasizing the importance of reason, moral virtues, and the pursuit of excellence. The work also explores the division of the soul, the role of rationality in human life, and the ultimate goal of human activity, which is to achieve happiness through virtuous actions and a complete life.

#740

• Mentioned in 27 episodes

The Pursuit of Happiness

How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America

Jeffrey Rosen

It’s no secret that the American Founding Fathers were deeply inspired by the Classics. The words of the ancient Greek and Roman philosophers suffuse the original documents and ideas that built America.

Today Anya is joined by Jeffery Rosen to talk about how ancient ideas of virtue inspired these pivotal figures in American history.

Hosted by Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom. To learn more about Classical Wisdom, and sign up for our free newsletter, please go to https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/

Right now at Classical Wisdom, we’re celebrating the 4th of July holiday with a special Founding Members deal: Founding Members can now receive our stunning 644 page hardback anthology, The Essential Classics, collecting the greatest ancient works in one beautiful new edition.

Founding Members can read and be inspired by the very texts that moved and motivated the Founding Fathers. And to commemorate the occasion, you can now become a Founding Member for $50 OFF.

So, take advantage of our special Founding Fathers, Founding Members Sale before this Monday to enjoy $50 off and to receive your own hardback Essential Classics anthology… Also, there is free shipping to anywhere in the world!

Click here to become a Founding Member: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe

***Important: The Essential Classics hardback is NOT available for the regular annual or monthly memberships. It is ONLY for Founding Members.***

Jeffery Rosen is an American legal scholar who serves as the president and CEO of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. He has written frequently about the U.S. Supreme Court and is author of several books, including his most recent: The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America.

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