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.
Living Constitutionally involves disconnecting from social media and embracing historical practices like writing with quill pens.
Civic engagement can be enriched by reviving historic traditions such as election cakes and rum punch.
Choosing the title 'President' exemplifies George Washington's humility and the democratic essence of the U.S. presidency.
Epistemic humility, symbolized by Franklin's parable and Washington's chair carving, underscores the importance of collective action for democracy.
Deep dives
A. J. Jacobs Explains 'The Year of Living Constitutionally'
Author A. J. Jacobs embarks on a unique quest to understand the U.S. Constitution's original meaning. Inspired by his experience living biblically, he seeks insights by immersing himself in historical practices like writing with a quill pen and drinking rum punch during elections to connect with the Constitution's essence. Through his humorous and thought-provoking journey, Jacobs aims to interpret the Constitution and promote a deeper appreciation for democracy.
The Quill Pen Experience and Reflections on Handwriting
Jacobs explores the profound impact of writing with a quill pen, slowing down thoughts and reducing distractions from technology. By recalling the historic DIY spirit of the 18th century in crafting his own quill pen, Jacobs highlights the mental depth and connection to physical creation that handwriting fosters, suggesting a potential for nuanced and reflective thinking.
Reviving Historical Practices: Election Cakes and Rum Punch
Recreating festive traditions of early elections, Jacobs introduces election cakes and rum punch to celebrate the civic duty of voting. Through connecting with historical customs like these tasty treats, Jacobs infuses modern democracy with a sense of camaraderie, reflection, and historical continuity, bringing a touch of the past into contemporary political engagement.
The Evolution of Presidential Titles
Exploring the Founding Fathers' debate on presidential titles, from 'His Excellency' to 'Washington' to 'President,' underscores the delicate balance between respect and avoidance of monarchical associations. By adopting 'President,' George Washington embodies humility and resists notions of kingship, reflecting the nascent democratic spirit and setting a precedent for the U.S. presidency.
Benjamin Franklin's Parable and Epistemic Humility
Inspired by Benjamin Franklin's parable about a French lady, Jacobs delves into the theme of epistemic humility at the Constitutional Convention. Through Franklin's witty anecdote, he underscores the human tendency to overestimate personal correctness and emphasizes the importance of embracing intellectual humility and recognizing the limitations of individual knowledge.
George Washington's Chair: A Symbol of Hope and Agency
The imagery of George Washington's chair with a carved half sun serves as a powerful metaphor for America's future. Like Franklin's interpretation of the rising sun symbol, Jacobs contemplates the responsibility and agency individuals hold in determining whether the 'sun of democracy' continues to rise in America, advocating for active civic engagement and collective effort in shaping the nation's trajectory.
Conclusion and Optimism for America's Democratic Journey
Reflecting on his exploration of historical practices, presidential titles, epistemic humility, and symbolic chair carving, Jacobs concludes with a call to uphold democratic values and actively engage in shaping America's future. Embracing the lessons from the Founding Fathers' humility and foresight, he maintains optimism in the potential for citizen agency to ensure the continued rise of democracy.
What does it mean to live Constitutionally in the year 2024? For a start, it means getting off social media. It also means swapping a quill pen for your keyboard, and candlelight for electricity. And don't forget the tricorn hat and musket--though maybe skip the boiled mutton. Join author A.J. Jacobs as he deep-dives with EconTalk's Russ Roberts into the centuries-old principles of the U.S. Constitution and tries to apply them to the current day. Topics include the original conceptions of our most cherished amendments, the office of the President, and the Supreme Court, and an explanation of how one can be an originalist and still believe in gender equity. Jacobs also shares his family's experience writing its own constitution, and explains why his research made him more optimistic about the future of American democracy.
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