Living with the Constitution (with A.J. Jacobs)

19 snips

May 6, 2024

A.J. Jacobs, author known for his immersive experiments, shares his insights on living by the U.S. Constitution in today's world. He humorously recounts his year-long endeavor of writing with a quill and reflects on the evolving nature of constitutional principles. Jacobs discusses the significance of the Supreme Court's legacy and explores the whimsical idea of creating a family constitution. He also highlights how historical voting practices inspired community-building projects and emphasizes the balance between tradition and modernity in democracy.

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ANECDOTE

A.J.'s Letter of Marque

A.J. Jacobs petitioned Congress for a Letter of Marque and Reprisal, a constitutional provision for legalized piracy.
Though not fully granted, his application brought attention to this obscure part of the Constitution and its historical context.

ADVICE

Make Elections Festive

Celebrate Election Day with festivities like cake and rum punch, reviving a historical tradition.
This fosters a positive and participatory democracy.

INSIGHT

27th Amendment's Long Journey

The 27th Amendment, prohibiting Congress from raising its salary mid-term, took over 200 years to ratify.
Its passage highlights both the difficulty of amending the Constitution and the impact of individual action.

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The Year of Living Biblically

One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible

A.J. Jacobs

In this book, A.J. Jacobs embarks on a year-long experiment to live according to the Bible's rules as literally as possible. Raised in a secular Jewish family, Jacobs delves into the world of religion to understand its relevance in modern life. He follows over 700 biblical rules, from the well-known Ten Commandments to the lesser-known laws such as avoiding clothes made of mixed fibers and stoning adulterers. The book is a humorous and profound account of his journey, where he interacts with various religious groups, including Amish, Hassidic Jews, and evangelical Christians. Jacobs' experiment leads to surprising insights and personal growth, challenging his initial skepticism about religion and highlighting the complexities of biblical literalism[1][3][5].

The theory of moral sentiments

Adam Smith

Published in 1759, 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments' is Adam Smith's first major published work, based on his lectures at Glasgow University. The book argues that morality is driven by humanity's natural sociability and the need for approval from peers, rather than by rational calculation or innate moral sense. Smith introduces key concepts such as sympathy, the impartial spectator, and the invisible hand, which explain how individuals judge the conduct and character of themselves and others. The work delves into the emotional and social aspects of human behavior, highlighting the role of emotions like pity and compassion in shaping moral sentiments and behaviors[1][3][4].

The Year of Living Constitutionally

One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Constitution's Original Meaning

A. J. Jacobs

In 'The Year of Living Constitutionally', A.J. Jacobs embarks on a year-long journey to understand the U.S. Constitution by living as closely as possible to its original meaning. He engages in various adventures such as carrying an 18th-century musket, asserting his right to free speech with handwritten pamphlets, and participating in Revolutionary War reenactments. The book delves into the debates between originalism and living constitutionalism, offering insights into the Constitution's impact on modern American life and the ongoing debates about its interpretation. Jacobs' experiences highlight the benefits and challenges of adhering to 18th-century laws in the 21st century, providing a fresh and entertaining perspective on the Constitution's role in American democracy.