The Virtues Behind the American Constitution with Jeffrey Rosen

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May 19, 2025

In a thought-provoking discussion, Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center, delves into the Founders' interpretation of happiness through the lens of virtue. He analyzes the moral philosophies of key figures like Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, revealing their complex legacies. The conversation explores the necessity of electing virtuous leaders and the enduring significance of civic virtue in democracy. Rosen also emphasizes the transformational power of education and self-improvement as essential components of a thriving society.

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INSIGHT

Happiness Means Virtue and Self-Mastery

The Founders saw happiness not as pleasure but as virtue and self-mastery.
They emphasized reason over emotion to achieve calm tranquility and moral excellence.

INSIGHT

Jefferson's Slavery Hypocrisy Revealed

Jefferson acknowledged slavery's immorality and his own hypocrisy.
This admission makes his failure to end slavery starker, highlighting the complexity of the founders.

INSIGHT

Education Empowers Freedom and Justice

Moral philosophy offered a path out of oppression for figures like Frederick Douglass.
Education and classical teachings inspired many to pursue freedom and justice.

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Tusculan disputations

Cicero

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.

Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita is a central text in Hinduism, embedded within the epic Mahabharata. It recounts a dialogue between the warrior-prince Arjuna and his charioteer, Krishna, who is an avatar of the god Vishnu. The text explores themes of dharma (duty), karma (action), and the path to spiritual enlightenment. Krishna advises Arjuna on the importance of performing his duties without attachment to the outcomes, emphasizing the concept of nishkama karma (nonattached action). The Gita synthesizes various strands of Indian religious thought, including Vedic concepts, samkhya yoga, and bhakti (devotion), providing a coherent vision of Hindu philosophy and spiritual practice[2][4][5].

The Pursuit of Happiness

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

Jeffrey Rosen

The Columbian Orator

Containing a Variety of Original and Selected Pieces, Together with Rules, Which Are Calculated to Improve Youth and Others, in the Ornamental and Useful Art of Eloquence

Caleb Bingham

The Columbian Orator, first published in 1797, is a significant anthology that includes speeches by notable figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. It played a crucial role in shaping American thought and was instrumental in inspiring abolitionists such as Frederick Douglass. The book contains 84 selections focusing on nationalism, liberty, and slavery, making it a valuable historical artifact and guide for oratory.