“The Pursuit of Happiness” | Jeffrey Rosen | January 2025
Jan 29, 2025
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Join Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center, as he unveils the deep connection between happiness, virtue, and personal responsibility shaped by the philosophies of Jefferson and Franklin. He emphasizes prioritizing long-term virtue over fleeting gratification, offering practical advice for self-mastery. Delving into the principles of self-governance, Rosen highlights how moral integrity and constitutional understanding are essential for a thriving society, inspiring a thoughtful exploration of what it truly means to pursue happiness.
Happiness, according to the Founding Fathers, is defined through virtue, moral excellence, and self-mastery rather than mere pleasure.
Jefferson's emphasis on a disciplined reading habit highlights the importance of moral philosophy in cultivating character and civic responsibility.
Deep dives
Reevaluating the Pursuit of Happiness
The concept of happiness, as outlined by the Founding Fathers, is not merely about feeling good but rather about embodying virtue and long-term moral excellence. Jefferson and Franklin drew from Cicero’s writings, particularly in *The Tusculum Disputations*, to define happiness as achieving a state of moral tranquility, which requires self-mastery and character improvement. This perspective shifts the understanding from immediate pleasures to the commitment to living a virtuous life, emphasizing that happiness is intrinsically tied to one's actions and moral integrity. Such insights reshape the narrative of the pursuit of happiness as a lifelong endeavor focused on personal and societal betterment.
The Importance of Moral Philosophy
The podcast illustrates the vital role of moral philosophy in shaping character and guiding the pursuit of virtue, a lesson deeply embedded in Thomas Jefferson’s educational recommendations. Jefferson included an array of classical ethical texts in his reading list, highlighting the significance of studying works by authors like Cicero, Marcus Aurelius, and Epictetus, which align with the ideals of virtue. The structured approach to reading that Jefferson proposed encourages consistent self-reflection and continuous personal development, fostering growth in various aspects of life, including intellectual and moral capabilities. The emphasis on cultivating a disciplined reading habit is presented as essential for achieving self-improvement and understanding the foundational virtues necessary for civic responsibility.
Virtue as a Foundation for Self-Governance
The connection between personal virtue and effective self-governance is emphasized, illustrating that the success of a democratic society relies on the moral character of its citizens. Historical figures like John Adams and George Washington exemplified this relationship, demonstrating that true leadership stems from a deep understanding of one's virtues and the ability to overcome passions that may hinder societal harmony. The call for learning about constitutional principles is presented as crucial, with John Quincy Adams advocating for an intimate knowledge of these tenets to prevent civil discord. By engaging with these ideals and striving for personal excellence, citizens can contribute to maintaining the Republic and ensuring the values of democracy endure.
As we study the Constitution and spend time reading, we can cultivate virtue and learn what the Founders meant by the “pursuit of happiness.” Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, delivered this forum address on January 28, 2025. You can access the full talk here.