Jeffrey Rosen, President of the National Constitution Center and a professor at George Washington University Law School, shares insights on living with purpose and principle. He discusses the importance of self-mastery and character development in today's distraction-heavy world. Rosen emphasizes the value of deep reading and morning rituals in shaping our lives. He also explores the concept of vocation as a journey, alongside the historical wisdom of the Founding Fathers, to inspire listeners to cultivate their own paths to happiness and civic engagement.
22:12
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Founders' Wisdom and Democracy
Democracy requires personal self-government and character development for effective citizenship.
Social media polarizes and challenges the founders' wisdom of reason over passion.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Jeffrey Rosen's Jefferson Ritual
Jeffrey Rosen adopted Thomas Jefferson's pre-dawn reading routine during COVID to revive deep reading habits.
This ritual helped him engage daily in learning and writing reflective sonnets.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Start Day Creatively
Start your day in a creative mode rather than reacting to emails or social media.
This switch enhances productivity and expression of your best self.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Cicero's 'Tusculan Disputations' is a philosophical work exploring various aspects of human life, including death, grief, and the nature of good and evil. The dialogues delve into Stoic principles, examining how to achieve inner peace and resilience in the face of adversity. Cicero's eloquent prose and engaging style make complex philosophical ideas accessible to a wider audience. The work remains a significant contribution to Stoic thought and continues to inspire readers today. It offers practical guidance on navigating life's challenges.
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[1][2][4].
What does it take to live a life of purpose and principle? In this compelling episode, hosts Dana Walsh and Michelle Weise engage in a rich conversation with Jeffrey Rosen, President of the National Constitution Center, as he reflects on the defining moments and habits that have shaped his life. From his early inspirations and intellectual awakenings to the quiet power of deep reading and the discipline of morning rituals, Rosen offers a rare glimpse into how character is forged.
Listeners will also explore how the Founding Fathers’ timeless wisdom and the pursuit of self-mastery are not just historical ideals—but essential tools for modern democratic life. If you're searching for insight into living deliberately, creatively, and civically, this episode is not to be missed.
A Life Worth Working 
