In this episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian <a href="https://law.pepperdine.edu/faculty-research/edward-larson/">Edward Larson</a> discusses his newest book, Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Still Matters. This book traces the idea of American independence in one pivotal year—1776—and explores why this year continues to hold significance today. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates.
This program is generously sponsored by <a href="https://institute.travelers.com/citizen-travelers">Citizen Travelers</a>, the nonpartisan civic engagement initiative of Travelers.
 
Resources
<ul>
 <li>Ed Larson, <a href="https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324078982">Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters</a> (2025)</li>
 <li>Thomas Paine,<a href="http://loveman.sdsu.edu/docs/1776ThomasPaine.pdf"> </a><a href="http://loveman.sdsu.edu/docs/1776ThomasPaine.pdf">Common Sense</a> (1776)</li>
 <li>John Adams, <a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/historic-document-library/detail/john-adams-thoughts-on-government-1776">Thoughts on Government</a> (1776)</li>
 <li>George Mason, <a href="https://encyclopediavirginia.org/primary-documents/the-virginia-declaration-of-rights-first-draft-1776/">First Draft of the Virginia Declaration of Rights</a> (1776)</li>
</ul>
 
Stay Connected and Learn More
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 <li>Questions or comments about the show? Email us at <a href="mailto:programs@constitutioncenter.org">⁠⁠⁠⁠programs@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
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 <li>Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr</li>
 <li>Explore the<a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/america-at-250">⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
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 <li>Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen</li>
 <li>Join us for an upcoming <a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/news-debate/americas-town-hall-programs">⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> or watch recordings on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoAU4X6DUZSt5n6aI74Hw0A">⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
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<description>In this episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Edward Larson discusses his newest book, Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Still Matters. This book traces the idea of American independence in one pivotal year—1776—and explores why this year continues to hold significance today. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates.

This program is generously sponsored by Citizen Travelers, the nonpartisan civic engagement initiative of Travelers.



Resources


 Ed Larson, Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters (2025)

 Thomas Paine, Common Sense (1776)

 John Adams, Thoughts on Government (1776)

 George Mason, First Draft of the Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776)




Stay Connected and Learn More


 Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠programs@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠


 Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr

 Explore the⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠


 
⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate

 Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen

 Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠


 Support our important work


⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate</description>

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian ⁠Edward Larson⁠ discusses his newest book, Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Still Matters

In this episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Edward Larson discusses his newest book, Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Still Matters. This book traces the idea of American independence in one pivotal year—1776—and explores why this year continues to hold significance today. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates.

This program is generously sponsored by Citizen Travelers, the nonpartisan civic engagement initiative of Travelers.



Resources


  Ed Larson, Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters (2025)

  Thomas Paine, Common Sense (1776)

  John Adams, Thoughts on Government (1776)

  George Mason, First Draft of the Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776)




Stay Connected and Learn More


  Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠programs@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠


  Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr

  Explore the⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠


  
⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate

  Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen

  Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠


  Support our important work


⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate

Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Still Matters

In this bonus episode, we are sharing recordings from the Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness podcast launch event featuring a performance of Jeffrey Rosen’s The Golden Mean: Songs for the Pursuit of Happiness and Twelve Titans: Songs of the Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses in Philadelphia.  
Jeffrey Rosen, author of The Pursuit of Happiness and host of the podcast, performs his original songs inspired by the book’s exploration of the classical writers on virtue that shaped the founders.   
This performance features Jeffrey Rosen and pianist Jennifer Blyth with arrangements by Greg Strohman. 
 
Resources 
<ul>
 <li>Listen to Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pursuit-the-founders-guide-to-happiness/id1836433785">⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/066xzUHgVx7Tj5aAaslKfD">⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠</a> </li>
 <li>Watch the full performance of the <a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/news-debate/americas-town-hall-programs/pursuit-of-happiness-song-cycles-by-jeffrey-rosen">⁠Pursuit of Happiness: Song Cycles⁠</a> by Jeffrey Rosen  </li>
 <li>
<a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/media/files/Twelve-Titans-Lyrics.pdf">Twelve Titans: Songs of the Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses</a>, music and lyrics by Jeffrey Rosen [PDF] </li>
 <li>Jeffrey Rosen, <a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/go/the-pursuit-of-happiness">⁠The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America⁠</a>, (2024)  </li>
 <li>Jeffrey Rosen, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1668053748?tag=simonsayscom">⁠The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle Over Power in America⁠</a>, (2025)  </li>
</ul>
 
Timeline
Twelve Titans: Songs of the Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses
[00:00] Episode Introduction 
[01:14] Twelve Titans Introduction 
[05:10] 1. Twelve Titans  
[08:15] 2. Apollo, Helios, and Hyperion  
[11:15] 3. Pythia  
[14:49] 4. O Diana  
[17:36] 5. Athena  
[20:00] 6. Mighty Aphrodite  
[22:42] 7. Mercury  
[25:28] 8. The Three Fates  
[28:25] 9. Apollo’s Rising  
[31:04] 10. Dame Fortune  
[33:29] 11. Enthusiasmos  
[36:16] 12. Divinity Is One 
 
Stay Connected and Learn More
<ul>
 <li>Questions or comments about the show? Email us at <a href="mailto:programs@constitutioncenter.org">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠programs@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
</li>
 <li>Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr</li>
 <li>Explore the<a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/america-at-250">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
</li>
 <li>
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 <li>Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen</li>
 <li>Join us for an upcoming <a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/news-debate/americas-town-hall-programs">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> or watch recordings on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoAU4X6DUZSt5n6aI74Hw0A">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
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<description>In this bonus episode, we are sharing recordings from the Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness podcast launch event featuring a performance of Jeffrey Rosen’s The Golden Mean: Songs for the Pursuit of Happiness and Twelve Titans: Songs of the Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses in Philadelphia.  

Jeffrey Rosen, author of The Pursuit of Happiness and host of the podcast, performs his original songs inspired by the book’s exploration of the classical writers on virtue that shaped the founders.   

This performance features Jeffrey Rosen and pianist Jennifer Blyth with arrangements by Greg Strohman. 



Resources 


 Listen to Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness on ⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ 

 Watch the full performance of the ⁠Pursuit of Happiness: Song Cycles⁠ by Jeffrey Rosen  

 
Twelve Titans: Songs of the Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses, music and lyrics by Jeffrey Rosen [PDF] 

 Jeffrey Rosen, ⁠The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America⁠, (2024)  

 Jeffrey Rosen, ⁠The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle Over Power in America⁠, (2025)  




Timeline

Twelve Titans: Songs of the Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses

[00:00] Episode Introduction 

[01:14] Twelve Titans Introduction 

[05:10] 1. Twelve Titans  

[08:15] 2. Apollo, Helios, and Hyperion  

[11:15] 3. Pythia  

[14:49] 4. O Diana  

[17:36] 5. Athena  

[20:00] 6. Mighty Aphrodite  

[22:42] 7. Mercury  

[25:28] 8. The Three Fates  

[28:25] 9. Apollo’s Rising  

[31:04] 10. Dame Fortune  

[33:29] 11. Enthusiasmos  

[36:16] 12. Divinity Is One 



Stay Connected and Learn More


 Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠programs@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


 Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr

 Explore the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


 
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate

 Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen

 Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


 Support our important work


⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate</description>

Featuring part two of the debut recital of the Pursuit of Happiness: Song Cycles by Jeffrey Rosen at the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia

In this bonus episode, we are sharing recordings from the Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness podcast launch event featuring a performance of Jeffrey Rosen’s The Golden Mean: Songs for the Pursuit of Happiness and Twelve Titans: Songs of the Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses in Philadelphia.  

Jeffrey Rosen, author of The Pursuit of Happiness and host of the podcast, performs his original songs inspired by the book’s exploration of the classical writers on virtue that shaped the founders.   

This performance features Jeffrey Rosen and pianist Jennifer Blyth with arrangements by Greg Strohman. 



Resources 


  Listen to Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness on ⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ 

  Watch the full performance of the ⁠Pursuit of Happiness: Song Cycles⁠ by Jeffrey Rosen  

  
Twelve Titans: Songs of the Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses, music and lyrics by Jeffrey Rosen [PDF] 

  Jeffrey Rosen, ⁠The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America⁠, (2024)  

  Jeffrey Rosen, ⁠The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle Over Power in America⁠, (2025)  




Timeline

Twelve Titans: Songs of the Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses

[00:00] Episode Introduction 

[01:14] Twelve Titans Introduction 

[05:10] 1. Twelve Titans  

[08:15] 2. Apollo, Helios, and Hyperion  

[11:15] 3. Pythia  

[14:49] 4. O Diana  

[17:36] 5. Athena  

[20:00] 6. Mighty Aphrodite  

[22:42] 7. Mercury  

[25:28] 8. The Three Fates  

[28:25] 9. Apollo’s Rising  

[31:04] 10. Dame Fortune  

[33:29] 11. Enthusiasmos  

[36:16] 12. Divinity Is One 



Stay Connected and Learn More


  Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠programs@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


  Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr

  Explore the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


  
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate

  Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen

  Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


  Support our important work


⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate

Bonus: Twelve Titans Song Cycle

In this bonus episode, we are sharing recordings from the Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness podcast launch event featuring a performance of Jeffrey Rosen’s The Golden Mean: Songs for the Pursuit of Happiness and Twelve Titans: Songs of the Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses in Philadelphia.  
Jeffrey Rosen, author of The Pursuit of Happiness and host of the podcast, performs his original songs inspired by the book’s exploration of the classical writers on virtue that shaped the founders.   
This performance features pianist Jennifer Blyth and baritone James Martin with arrangements by Greg Strohman. 
 
Resources 
<ul>
 <li>Listen to Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pursuit-the-founders-guide-to-happiness/id1836433785">⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/066xzUHgVx7Tj5aAaslKfD">⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠</a> </li>
 <li>Watch the full performance of the <a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/news-debate/americas-town-hall-programs/pursuit-of-happiness-song-cycles-by-jeffrey-rosen">⁠Pursuit of Happiness: Song Cycles⁠</a> by Jeffrey Rosen</li>
 <li>
<a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/media/files/The-Golden-Mean-Lyrics.pdf">⁠The Golden Mean: Songs for the Pursuit of Happiness⁠</a>, music and lyrics by Jeffrey Rosen [PDF]</li>
 <li>Jeffrey Rosen, <a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/go/the-pursuit-of-happiness">⁠The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America⁠</a>, (2024)</li>
 <li>Jeffrey Rosen, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1668053748?tag=simonsayscom">⁠The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle Over Power in America⁠</a>, (2025)  </li>
</ul>
 
Timeline 
The Golden Mean: Songs for the Pursuit of Happiness
[00:00] Episode Introduction 
[01:33] 1. Order: The Golden Mean  
[04:10] 2. Temperance: Calm Self-Mastery  
[06:40] 3. Humility: Judge Not  
[08:28] 4. Industry: Industry Alone  
[11:06] 5. Frugality: Thomas Jefferson  
[13:51] 6. Sincerity: The Light Within  
[16:50] 7. Resolution: Just Do What You Resolve  
[19:00] 8. Moderation: Alexander Hamilton  
[21:05] 9. Tranquility: Security Is an Illusion  
[23:57] 10. Cleanliness: John Quincy Adams  
[26:55] 11. Justice: Love’s the Answer  
[29:40] 12. Silence: Silence Is Golden  
[32:37] 13. Coda: Song of Devotion and The Pursuit of Happiness 
 
Stay Connected and Learn More
<ul>
 <li>Questions or comments about the show? Email us at <a href="mailto:programs@constitutioncenter.org">⁠⁠⁠⁠programs@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
</li>
 <li>Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr</li>
 <li>Explore the<a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/america-at-250">⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
</li>
 <li>
<a href="https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001isJLcA0NBDU2D_HGg2ohDtUUbfEfE-Gpl9t1---7rRBAsT4f5B7IV2UbsNZFPIVvYFY1ZtLK4zENNfTuda3Z_WJBoefPS8mnvM8KMyfAOq4%3D">⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate</li>
 <li>Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen</li>
 <li>Join us for an upcoming <a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/news-debate/americas-town-hall-programs">⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> or watch recordings on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoAU4X6DUZSt5n6aI74Hw0A">⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
</li>
 <li>Support our important work</li>
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<a href="https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=tcs&amp;formId=4e7ea4bb-4b30-44fd-b810-4df9746c0941&amp;envid=p-kujBsRHWQkmaI9zD7QzCfg&amp;zone=usa&amp;_gl=1*k6rc0*_gcl_au*MTUxNDk3MDgyMy4xNzUzMTI3MDgy*_ga*MTk0Mzc2MDA5Ni4xNjY5OTkwMTUy*_ga_0H9LQSTDVE*czE3NTczNDIxNTUkbzM1MSRnMSR0MTc1NzM0MjI2MyRqNDEkbDAkaDA">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate</a>

<description>In this bonus episode, we are sharing recordings from the Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness podcast launch event featuring a performance of Jeffrey Rosen’s The Golden Mean: Songs for the Pursuit of Happiness and Twelve Titans: Songs of the Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses in Philadelphia.  

Jeffrey Rosen, author of The Pursuit of Happiness and host of the podcast, performs his original songs inspired by the book’s exploration of the classical writers on virtue that shaped the founders.   

This performance features pianist Jennifer Blyth and baritone James Martin with arrangements by Greg Strohman. 



Resources 


 Listen to Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness on ⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ 

 Watch the full performance of the ⁠Pursuit of Happiness: Song Cycles⁠ by Jeffrey Rosen

 
⁠The Golden Mean: Songs for the Pursuit of Happiness⁠, music and lyrics by Jeffrey Rosen [PDF]

 Jeffrey Rosen, ⁠The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America⁠, (2024)

 Jeffrey Rosen, ⁠The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle Over Power in America⁠, (2025)  




Timeline 

The Golden Mean: Songs for the Pursuit of Happiness

[00:00] Episode Introduction 

[01:33] 1. Order: The Golden Mean  

[04:10] 2. Temperance: Calm Self-Mastery  

[06:40] 3. Humility: Judge Not  

[08:28] 4. Industry: Industry Alone  

[11:06] 5. Frugality: Thomas Jefferson  

[13:51] 6. Sincerity: The Light Within  

[16:50] 7. Resolution: Just Do What You Resolve  

[19:00] 8. Moderation: Alexander Hamilton  

[21:05] 9. Tranquility: Security Is an Illusion  

[23:57] 10. Cleanliness: John Quincy Adams  

[26:55] 11. Justice: Love’s the Answer  

[29:40] 12. Silence: Silence Is Golden  

[32:37] 13. Coda: Song of Devotion and The Pursuit of Happiness 



Stay Connected and Learn More


 Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠programs@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠


 Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr

 Explore the⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠


 
⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate

 Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen

 Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠


 Support our important work


⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate</description>

Featuring part one of the debut recital of the Pursuit of Happiness: Song Cycles by Jeffrey Rosen at the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia

In this bonus episode, we are sharing recordings from the Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness podcast launch event featuring a performance of Jeffrey Rosen’s The Golden Mean: Songs for the Pursuit of Happiness and Twelve Titans: Songs of the Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses in Philadelphia.  

Jeffrey Rosen, author of The Pursuit of Happiness and host of the podcast, performs his original songs inspired by the book’s exploration of the classical writers on virtue that shaped the founders.   

This performance features pianist Jennifer Blyth and baritone James Martin with arrangements by Greg Strohman. 



Resources 


  Listen to Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness on ⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ 

  Watch the full performance of the ⁠Pursuit of Happiness: Song Cycles⁠ by Jeffrey Rosen

  
⁠The Golden Mean: Songs for the Pursuit of Happiness⁠, music and lyrics by Jeffrey Rosen [PDF]

  Jeffrey Rosen, ⁠The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America⁠, (2024)

  Jeffrey Rosen, ⁠The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle Over Power in America⁠, (2025)  




Timeline 

The Golden Mean: Songs for the Pursuit of Happiness

[00:00] Episode Introduction 

[01:33] 1. Order: The Golden Mean  

[04:10] 2. Temperance: Calm Self-Mastery  

[06:40] 3. Humility: Judge Not  

[08:28] 4. Industry: Industry Alone  

[11:06] 5. Frugality: Thomas Jefferson  

[13:51] 6. Sincerity: The Light Within  

[16:50] 7. Resolution: Just Do What You Resolve  

[19:00] 8. Moderation: Alexander Hamilton  

[21:05] 9. Tranquility: Security Is an Illusion  

[23:57] 10. Cleanliness: John Quincy Adams  

[26:55] 11. Justice: Love’s the Answer  

[29:40] 12. Silence: Silence Is Golden  

[32:37] 13. Coda: Song of Devotion and The Pursuit of Happiness 



Stay Connected and Learn More


  Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠programs@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠


  Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr

  Explore the⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠


  
⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate

  Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen

  Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠


  Support our important work


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Bonus: The Golden Mean Song Cycle

In this episode, Susan Stokes, author of The Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine Their Own Democracies, and Cass Sunstein, author of On Liberalism: In Defense of Freedom, explore the current challenges facing liberalism and why liberalism remains essential to freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates. 
 
Resources
<ul>
 <li> Susan Stokes, <a href="https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691271545/the-backsliders?srsltid=AfmBOooRVlvONF-E7Z9v0z3T7wrOwcpwPDjDo-F6sB5CAEEp9hEc5ixs">The Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine Their Own Democracies</a> (2025)</li>
 <li>
Cass Sunstein, <a href="https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262049771/on-liberalism/">On Liberalism: In Defense of Freedom</a> (2025)</li>
</ul>
 
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<description>In this episode, Susan Stokes, author of The Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine Their Own Democracies, and Cass Sunstein, author of On Liberalism: In Defense of Freedom, explore the current challenges facing liberalism and why liberalism remains essential to freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates. 



Resources


  Susan Stokes, The Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine Their Own Democracies (2025)

 
Cass Sunstein, On Liberalism: In Defense of Freedom (2025)




Stay Connected and Learn More


 Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠programs@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠


 Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr

 Explore the⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠


 
⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate

 Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen

 Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠


 Support our important work


⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate</description>

In this episode, Susan Stokes, author of The Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine Their Own Democracies, and Cass Sunstein, author of On Liberalism: In Defense of Freedom, explore the current challenges facing liberalism and why liberalism remains essential to freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates. 



Resources


   Susan Stokes, The Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine Their Own Democracies (2025)

  
Cass Sunstein, On Liberalism: In Defense of Freedom (2025)




Stay Connected and Learn More


  Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠programs@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠


  Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr

  Explore the⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠


  
⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate

  Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen

  Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠


  Support our important work


⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate

Liberalism: Current Challenges and Modern Debates

In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, award-winning historian Kathleen DuVal discusses her new book, Native Nations: A Millennium in North America, tracing a thousand years of Native history—from the rise of ancient cities and the arrival of Europeans to today’s ongoing fights for sovereignty. Thomas Donnelly, chief scholar of the National Constitution Center, moderates.
 
Resources
<ul>
 <li>Kathleen DuVal, <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/575441/native-nations-by-kathleen-duval/">Native Nations: A Millenium in North America</a> (2025)</li>
</ul>
 
Stay Connected and Learn More
<ul>
 <li>Questions or comments about the show? Email us at <a href="mailto:programs@constitutioncenter.org">⁠⁠programs@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠</a>
</li>
 <li>Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr</li>
 <li>Explore the<a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/america-at-250">⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠</a>
</li>
 <li>
<a href="https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001isJLcA0NBDU2D_HGg2ohDtUUbfEfE-Gpl9t1---7rRBAsT4f5B7IV2UbsNZFPIVvYFY1ZtLK4zENNfTuda3Z_WJBoefPS8mnvM8KMyfAOq4%3D">⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠</a> to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate</li>
 <li>Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen</li>
 <li>Join us for an upcoming <a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/news-debate/americas-town-hall-programs">⁠⁠live program⁠⁠</a> or watch recordings on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoAU4X6DUZSt5n6aI74Hw0A">⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠</a>
</li>
 <li>Support our important work</li>
</ul>
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<description>In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, award-winning historian Kathleen DuVal discusses her new book, Native Nations: A Millennium in North America, tracing a thousand years of Native history—from the rise of ancient cities and the arrival of Europeans to today’s ongoing fights for sovereignty. Thomas Donnelly, chief scholar of the National Constitution Center, moderates.



Resources


 Kathleen DuVal, Native Nations: A Millenium in North America (2025)




Stay Connected and Learn More


 Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠programs@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠


 Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr

 Explore the⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠


 
⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate

 Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen

 Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠live program⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠


 Support our important work


⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate</description>

In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, award-winning historian Kathleen DuVal discusses her new book, Native Nations: A Millennium in North America, tracing a thousand years of Native history—from the rise of ancient cities and the arrival of Europeans to today’s ongoing fights for sovereignty.

In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, award-winning historian Kathleen DuVal discusses her new book, Native Nations: A Millennium in North America, tracing a thousand years of Native history—from the rise of ancient cities and the arrival of Europeans to today’s ongoing fights for sovereignty. Thomas Donnelly, chief scholar of the National Constitution Center, moderates.



Resources


  Kathleen DuVal, Native Nations: A Millenium in North America (2025)




Stay Connected and Learn More


  Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠programs@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠


  Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr

  Explore the⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠


  
⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate

  Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen

  Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠live program⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠


  Support our important work


⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate

Native Nations: From Ancient Cities to Today

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