Dennis C. Rasmussen
Professor of political theory and author of Fears of a Setting Sun: The Disillusionment of America's Founders, offering insights into the Founding Fathers' later pessimism.
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Jun 28, 2021 • 45min
The Surprising Pessimism of America's Founding Fathers
Dennis C. Rasmussen, a Professor of political theory and author, discusses the surprising disillusionment of America's Founding Fathers. He reveals that figures like Washington and Jefferson grew increasingly pessimistic about their republican experiment, fearing future partisanship and a lack of civic virtue. Contrast this with Madison, who maintained optimism. Their reflections serve as a reminder that such disillusionment might carry an unexpected message of hope for contemporary society.
