The Pursuit of Happiness by Jeffrey Rosen - Interview with Michael Smerconish

Summary

In an interview, Jeffrey Rosen discusses his new book, *The Pursuit of Happiness*, which explores how classical writers on virtue influenced the Founding Fathers and shaped America's understanding of happiness. Contrary to modern interpretations of happiness as pleasure, Rosen explains that the founders, particularly Thomas Jefferson, saw happiness as the pursuit of virtue, self-mastery, and emotional intelligence. The discussion highlights how these ancient philosophies are relevant today, especially in a screen-driven society, and offers insights on improving oneself to become a better citizen.

Takeaways

• 📚 The phrase 'pursuit of happiness' in the Declaration of Independence was originally meant as the pursuit of virtue, not pleasure.
• 🤔 Jefferson's understanding of happiness was heavily influenced by classical philosophers, particularly Cicero, who emphasized tranquility of mind and emotional balance.
• 📖 Jeffrey Rosen's new book, *The Pursuit of Happiness*, explores how classical writers on virtue influenced the lives of the Founding Fathers and shaped America's values.
• 🧠 For the Founders, happiness meant self-improvement, self-mastery, and emotional intelligence rather than indulgence in pleasure.
• 🏛️ The classical understanding of happiness was common throughout Western history and only shifted in meaning during the 20th century.
• 🌟 Founding Fathers like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson had their own sets of virtues and rules for self-conduct aimed at personal growth and moral improvement.
• 🧘 The classical concept of happiness shares connections with Eastern wisdom traditions, like mindfulness, which was aligned with the Founders' understanding of self-governance and emotional control.
• 📱 Jeffrey Rosen argues that the screen-driven world of today, where immediate impulses and social media anger dominate, would have been the Founders' nightmare.
• 📜 The Founders acknowledged their own moral failures, particularly on slavery, recognizing their own hypocrisy, especially in the case of Thomas Jefferson.
• 💡 Rosen suggests we can improve our happiness and intellectual growth by adopting the Founders' habits of disciplined reading and lifelong learning.

Q & A

What is the main argument Jeffrey Rosen makes about the meaning of 'The Pursuit of Happiness'?

Rosen argues that the Founders, particularly Jefferson, understood the 'pursuit of happiness' as the pursuit of virtue, not pleasure. It was about self-improvement, character, and aligning oneself with reason and nature.

What book did Thomas Jefferson recommend to those who asked about happiness?

Jefferson often recommended Cicero's *Tusculan Disputations* to those who asked him about happiness, which emphasized tranquility of mind and avoiding extreme emotions.

How did Rosen's reading of classical texts during COVID-19 influence his perspective on happiness?

Rosen read books from Jefferson's reading list, including works by Cicero, Marcus Aurelius, and other ancient philosophers, which transformed his understanding of happiness as focused on virtue and self-mastery.

How does Rosen contrast the Founders’ understanding of happiness with modern interpretations?

Rosen contrasts the Founders' view of happiness as self-mastery and virtue with the modern interpretation of happiness as pleasure or feeling good, a shift he says began in the 1960s.

What connection does Rosen draw between classical philosophies and Eastern wisdom traditions?

Rosen notes a connection between classical philosophies like Stoicism and Eastern traditions, such as the Tao and the Bhagavad Gita, which emphasize mindfulness and controlling one’s own thoughts and actions.

How did Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson approach personal virtue?

Franklin developed a list of 13 virtues, including temperance and humility, and Jefferson created a similar list with 12 virtues, including self-discipline and controlling emotions, which he shared with his daughters.

What role does Rosen believe emotional intelligence plays in the Founders' concept of happiness?

Rosen believes emotional intelligence, or self-mastery, is central to the Founders' concept of happiness, as it helps individuals control unproductive emotions and make wise decisions.

How did the Founders acknowledge their own hypocrisy regarding slavery?

Rosen explains that some Founders, like Patrick Henry, acknowledged their hypocrisy, stating that avarice prevented them from abandoning slavery, which they knew was immoral.

What would the Founders think of modern society's dependence on technology, according to Rosen?

Rosen believes the Founders would view modern society's dependence on technology, especially social media, as a nightmare that undermines reasoned deliberation and personal growth.

What advice does Rosen give based on the Founders' reading habits?

Rosen suggests adopting the Founders' habit of reading deeply, especially in the morning, to improve self-discipline and personal growth. He emphasizes that the wisdom of the world is available online for free, but requires the discipline to engage with it.