The Free and the Virtuous: Why the Founders Knew that Character Mattered

The American founding fathers viewed liberty as a movement toward the highest human flourishing, but over time, it became more about rights and less about the responsibility to be good.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 162 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

The concept of liberty held a profound significance for the American founding fathers, extending far beyond the mere notion of limited government, safeguarding rights, and allowing individuals to pursue their own definition of a good life. It was an audacious endeavor to cultivate a movement that aimed to attain the pinnacle of human flourishing. In this new land, a unique moral discipline inherent in the American character set the stage for the flourishing of this novel form of liberty.

Above all, genuine liberty was contingent upon the cultivation of good character. The nascent nation had just begun to take root when the founders' vision of liberty grounded in virtue began to lose its allure. Over time, liberty gradually shifted its focus from responsibilities to rights, and character no longer held the same importance. Regrettably, we seem to have become indifferent to the loss of this essential aspect of our humanity.

The founders of America sought to establish a society where individuals could exercise their rights and freedoms while also being held accountable for their actions. They recognized that true liberty could only be achieved through the cultivation of virtuous character, which would enable individuals to make meaningful contributions to their communities and society as a whole. However, as time passed, the emphasis on rights overshadowed the importance of character, leading to a decline in moral standards and a disregard for the values that had shaped the nation's founding.

Today, we witness a society where individualism and self-interest often take precedence over collective well-being and social responsibility. The pursuit of wealth and power has become the driving force behind many decisions, and the values of honesty, integrity, and compassion have been relegated to the sidelines. The loss of character has had far-reaching consequences, as it has eroded the foundation of trust and respect that is essential for healthy relationships and a functioning democracy.

In conclusion, the concept of liberty held a central place in the minds of the American founding fathers, but over time, it has been diluted and distorted. The pursuit of rights without the cultivation of good character has led to a decline in moral standards and a loss of the values that have defined the nation's character. It is time for us to reclaim the essence of liberty and prioritize the development of virtuous character in ourselves and our society. Only then can we achieve the highest level of human flourishing and build a better future for ourselves and generations to come.

Weight: 231g
Dimension: 220 x 154 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793601629