Presidential farewells constitute a great American conversation among the nation’s chief executives and open our view onto a large and detailed panorama of the past. Farewell, Mr. President When on January 10, 2017, Barack Obama delivered his farewell address to the nation, the occasion was only the tenth time in U.S. history that a president [...]
In moral qualities, the character of George Washington is the most truly dignified that was ever presented to the respect and admiration of mankind. Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt from Washington and the Generals of the American Revolution, by Rufus Wilmot Griswold and William Gilmore Simms (1847). An attentive examination of the whole subject, [...]
The lack of schooling in the formation of one of every four U.S. presidents underscores the paradox that even the most humble among them were often great champions of education in general and of the liberal arts in particular… Can the liberal arts prepare citizens for leadership? Most of us in higher education want the [...]
One of the most illogical historical debates I’ve ever tried to follow concerns the personal religious conviction of our founding father George Washington. Presently there seem to be two opposing schools of propagandists. They can be divided more or less into Beckites and Obamaites, and both seem obsessed with Washington’s theological leanings. The generally leftist [...]
The foundations of our National policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality. There is no truth more thoroughly established, than that there exists an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness. Fellow Citizens of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Among the vicissitudes incident to life, no event could [...]
When good old Father Washington Was just about to die He called our Uncle Samuel Unto his bedside nigh: “This flag I give you, Sammy dear,” Said Washington, said he; “Where’er it floats, on land or wave, My children shall be free.” And fine old Uncle Samuel He took the flag from him, And [...]
Both Monticello and Mount Vernon are imposing estates. Both Thomas Jefferson and George Washington were imposing historical figures. What do the homes tell us about the statesmen? Quite a bit. Practically since the nation’s founding, there have been those, particularly among intellectuals, who deprecate the reserved, stoic, and to some stolid Washington. Such people much [...]
The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people. ~George Washington […]
The total absence of a distinct executive branch under the Articles of Confederation produced a government severely handicapped in the day-to-day management of its affairs. It was the founding generation’s own experience that persuaded it that instilling “energy in the executive” was critical to any constitutional design that aimed to promote sound government. The following [...]
There is no truth more thoroughly established, than that there exists in the economy and course of nature, an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness, between duty and advantage, between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy, and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity: Since we ought to be no less [...]
Lacking a genuine, common mind concerning the nature of virtue and the requirements for good reputation, auxiliary precautions like our Constitution’s checks and balances no longer will suffice to protect our constitutional order. Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place. [...]
Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. Friends and Citizens: The period for a [...]
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to recommend to the people of the United States [...]
The Question: What has the Ethics to do with the Declaration? As the subtitle indicates, we are to examine whether or not Aristotle spoke to the founding generation. Sadly, I must be rather blunt: Aristotle had almost no direct influence on the Founding or the founding generation. And, when he did speak to them, [...]