No Small Endeavor with Lee C. Camp

163: Jeffrey Rosen: The Pursuit of Happiness

Jul 4, 2024
Jeffrey Rosen, President of the National Constitution Center, discusses the founders' view on self-government, the pursuit of happiness, and the importance of virtue for democracy. He explores stoicism, deep reading, and historical figures' advice on self-improvement.
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INSIGHT

Classical Happiness

  • Classical philosophers defined happiness as being good, not feeling good.
  • This meant pursuing virtue and self-improvement, not pleasure.
INSIGHT

Founders' Happiness

  • The Founders, particularly Jefferson, embodied this classical view of happiness.
  • "Pursuit of Happiness" meant pursuing virtue, not property acquisition.
ANECDOTE

Franklin's Virtue Pursuit

  • Benjamin Franklin created a system for pursuing moral perfection.
  • He tracked 13 virtues weekly, marking Xs for shortcomings.
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