Today, we think of happiness as the pursuit of pleasure. But for America’s founders, and the classical and Enlightenment thinkers who inspired them, this phrase defined what it meant to pursue self-improvement by cultivating habits like industry, temperance, moderation, and sincerity. Importantly, they also saw the pursuit of personal self-governance as a requirement for good citizenship and the common good.
At a time when people are searching for spiritual and moral purpose in a modern world increasingly challenged by questions of civility and morality in daily life, National Constitution Center CEO Jeffrey Rosen seeks to bring this perspective on civic virtue to audiences across the country and the world. With the John Templeton Foundation’s support, Rosen will launch a new 12-part podcast series on civic virtue; produce derivative digital products and resources like short form videos, primary source documents, interviews with scholars, and discussion guides to reach audiences of civic, business, and community leaders, with a secondary focus on college students; and conduct lectures and participate in civic virtue panels in cities and towns across America.
In addition to engaging with a variety of expert guests on the podcast series, the NCC will work with a range of influential institutions and networks of thought leaders in organizing lectures and raising the profile of our work. We will also partner with a leading podcast production company and creative content experts to help produce the podcast series and derivative products, along with a public relations firm and speaking bureau to build awareness of this content. Ultimately, we will inspire current and future civic leaders to examine how the Founders’ wisdom continues to provide a meaningful guide to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, sparking a national discussion that rises above the partisan fray, and encouraging individuals to practice this wisdom in their personal lives and communities.
