Templeton Ideas Podcast

Jeffrey Rosen (Virtue)

Feb 29, 2024

Jeffrey Rosen, CEO of National Constitution Center, discusses classical writers' influence on Founding Fathers, importance of virtue for republic survival, and resurgence of Stoic philosophy during crises like COVID. Podcast explores self-mastery, virtue, and political self-government, emphasizing character development and societal responsibilities. Rosen also delves into career journey, leadership role, and the pursuit of moral perfection amidst challenges.

33:25

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Episode guests

Jeffrey Rosen

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Quick takeaways

Founders valued civic virtue for personal and political self-government.

Studying classical virtues cultivates self-mastery and excellence in citizens' lives and democracy.

Deep dives

Founders' Belief in Personal and Political Self-Government

The founders believed in personal self-government as a prerequisite for political self-government. They emphasized the importance of thoughtful citizens engaging in civil discourse, listening to different viewpoints, and deliberating rationally. By cultivating a civic disposition where reason prevails over passion, individuals contribute to a more informed and meaningful society.

Introduction

3min

Exploring Career Path and Organizational Leadership

5min

The Pursuit of Virtue and Happiness

7min

Exploring Virtue, Self-Mastery, and Political Self-Government

5min

Exploring Virtues and Responsibilities in Society

11min

Embracing Learning and Growth in the Digital Age

2min

Jeffrey Rosen is the president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, where he hosts We the People, a weekly podcast of constitutional debate. He is also a professor of law at the George Washington University Law School and a contributing editor of The Atlantic. He was previously the legal affairs editor of The New Republic and a staff writer for The New Yorker. Rosen’s new book is The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America.

On this episode of the Templeton Ideas podcast, Jeff joins David Nassar, vice president of Strategic Engagement at the John Templeton Foundation, to delve into the influence of classical writers on the Founding Fathers, why virtue, defined as self-mastery, self-regulation, and the pursuit of the public good, is essential for the survival of a republic, and to reflect on the resurgence of interest in Stoic philosophy, particularly during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Templeton Ideas Podcast

Jeffrey Rosen (Virtue)

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Founders' Belief in Personal and Political Self-Government

Exploring Virtue in the Lives of Founders

Importance of Civic Engagement and Enlightenment

Transformational Impact of Virtuous Self-Governance

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts