

Books, Routines, and Habits: The Founders’ Guide to Self-Improvement
980 snips Jul 1, 2025
Jeffrey Rosen, a law professor and president of the National Constitution Center, discusses how the Founding Fathers' pursuit of happiness was rooted in virtue and self-improvement. He highlights their belief that personal growth benefits society, emphasizing the moral ideals influenced by classical philosophy. Rosen explores the daily routines and self-examination practices of figures like Benjamin Franklin, revealing how reflecting on virtues can lead to personal mastery. Their legacy shows that striving for moral excellence remains a worthy pursuit.
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Happiness as Virtue
- The Founding Fathers linked happiness to virtue and excellence, not mere pleasure.
- Personal self-government was essential for successful political self-government.
Rediscovering Classical Wisdom
- Jeffrey Rosen rediscovered the importance of classical books during COVID by following Jefferson's reading schedule.
- The core lesson: happiness means being good through self-mastery, not feeling good.
Reason vs Passion in Enlightenment
- Enlightenment shaped founders' belief in reason as divine and the key to controlling passions.
- Moderation of anger, jealousy, and fear enables productive emotions and virtue.