Pursuit: The Founders' Guide to Happiness Episode 1: In Order to Be Happy
Sep 8, 2025
Robert P. George, a prominent law professor at Princeton, dives into the founders' view of happiness, emphasizing its ties to moral character and lifelong learning. He discusses how the founders believed true liberty fosters virtue and societal flourishing. Ken Burns shares his insights on daily self-reflection, inspired by historical figures like Franklin, and how it reshapes his understanding of American ideals. The conversation explores the shift from 'being good' to 'feeling good,' highlighting the importance of civic education for maintaining democracy.
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Franklin's Daily Virtue Ledger
- Benjamin Franklin tracked 13 virtues and marked failures daily to improve himself.
- Franklin abandoned perfection but said the effort made him a better and happier man.
Follow Jefferson's Reading Regimen
- Read classical moral philosophy and follow Jefferson's recommended curriculum to shape your character.
- Jeffrey Rosen practiced Jefferson's reading schedule for a year and gained clarity on the founders' meaning of the pursuit of happiness.
Happiness As Moral Flourishing
- The founders saw liberty as 'freedom for' moral excellence, not just 'freedom from' coercion.
- Happiness meant moral character and flourishing, aligned with classical and religious traditions.
