Legal scholar Jeffrey Rosen discusses the influences of philosophers on the founding fathers, emphasizing virtues, self-government, and the pursuit of happiness. The podcast delves into the contrasting campaign styles of Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams, touches on Jefferson's philosophical evolution, and explores early rising and mindful habits inspired by historical figures.
Political campaigning shifted towards emotion and popularity over policy, as seen in Andrew Jackson's victory over John Quincy Adams.
Classical virtues were essential for personal and political success, contrasting modern self-centric notions of happiness.
Philosophical debates persist on the balance between self-interest and civic virtues in governance and individual behavior.
Deep dives
Election of 1828: Adams' Defeat and Political Shifts
The aftermath of the intense 1828 election revealed how John Quincy Adams was defeated by Andrew Jackson in a campaign marked by ruthless mud-slinging and personal attacks. Adams, coming from a more gentlemanly era of politics, was unprepared for the vicious tactics used against him. Jackson's victory signified a shift towards a more emotion-driven and popularity-centered political landscape, contrasting Adams' focus on policies and ideas for national development.
The Concept of Virtue and Civic Responsibility
The podcast delves into the classical understanding of the pursuit of happiness, emphasizing virtue as a core component for personal and political success. Founding fathers like Thomas Jefferson advocated for self-mastery, temperance, and character improvement as essential for fostering a flourishing society. The discussion highlights the shift away from this virtue-based approach towards a more pleasure-seeking and self-centric notion of happiness in contemporary culture.
Diverging Views on Self-Interest and Civic Virtue
A philosophical debate emerges between those like Alexander Hamilton, influenced by David Hume's ideas, viewing self-interest as a dominant driver necessitating structured governance, and others, valuing virtues and civic pride in the citizenry for the preservation of the republic. While Hamilton aligns reason with self-interest, conflicting positions persist on the role of reason, passions, and conscience in shaping individual and collective behavior within the political and moral spheres.
Influence of Cicero on Founding Fathers and Pursuit of Happiness
Founding Fathers, including Franklin and Jefferson, were influenced by Cicero's teachings on virtue and happiness. The pursuit of moral perfection, mentioned by Franklin, and Jefferson's adherence to Cicero's motto reflect the lasting impact of Cicero's philosophy. Cicero's emphasis on self-mastery, tranquility, and overcoming grief resonated with prominent figures in American history, such as John Adams and John Quincy Adams, demonstrating the enduring relevance of Cicero.
Significance of Deep Reading and Self-Discipline
Jeff Rosen emphasizes the transformative power of deep reading and self-discipline as a daily practice. Setting aside dedicated time in the morning for creative work, art, or reading, free from distractions, can enhance productivity and creativity. Exploring the wealth of knowledge available through accessible online resources, Rosen encourages the cultivation of habits inspired by the enlightenment thinkers' focus on time management and self-improvement for personal growth and fulfillment.
Jeffrey Rosen is a legal scholar and the President of the National Constitution Center. He’s the author “the Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America.”
