Live at the National Constitution Center Bonus: The Golden Mean Song Cycle
In this bonus episode, we are sharing recordings from the Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness podcast launch event featuring a performance of Jeffrey Rosen’s The Golden Mean: Songs for the Pursuit of Happiness and Twelve Titans: Songs of the Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses in Philadelphia.
Jeffrey Rosen, author of The Pursuit of Happiness and host of the podcast, performs his original songs inspired by the book’s exploration of the classical writers on virtue that shaped the founders.
This performance features pianist Jennifer Blyth and baritone James Martin with arrangements by Greg Strohman.
Resources
- Listen to Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness on Apple Podcast and Spotify
- Watch the full performance of the Pursuit of Happiness: Song Cycles by Jeffrey Rosen
- The Golden Mean: Songs for the Pursuit of Happiness, music and lyrics by Jeffrey Rosen [PDF]
- Jeffrey Rosen, The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America, (2024)
- Jeffrey Rosen, The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle Over Power in America, (2025)
Timeline
The Golden Mean: Songs for the Pursuit of Happiness
[00:00] Episode Introduction
[01:33] 1. Order: The Golden Mean
[04:10] 2. Temperance: Calm Self-Mastery
[06:40] 3. Humility: Judge Not
[08:28] 4. Industry: Industry Alone
[11:06] 5. Frugality: Thomas Jefferson
[13:51] 6. Sincerity: The Light Within
[16:50] 7. Resolution: Just Do What You Resolve
[19:00] 8. Moderation: Alexander Hamilton
[21:05] 9. Tranquility: Security Is an Illusion
[23:57] 10. Cleanliness: John Quincy Adams
[26:55] 11. Justice: Love’s the Answer
[29:40] 12. Silence: Silence Is Golden
[32:37] 13. Coda: Song of Devotion and The Pursuit of Happiness
Stay Connected and Learn More
- Questions or comments about the show? Email us at programs@constitutioncenter.org
- Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr
- Explore theAmerica at 250 Civic Toolkit
- Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate
- Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen
- Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube
- Support our important work