Historian Thomas Ricks on Stoicism and the Founders

Jan 9, 2021

Thomas Ricks, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of 'First Principles', engages in a thought-provoking discussion about Stoicism and its impact on the Founding Fathers. He delves into how classical philosophies like Stoicism shaped America's ideals and the current political landscape. Ricks examines the virtues of leadership, contrasting historical figures with today's leaders. He also highlights Madison's vision of checks and balances, stressing the essential qualities of character in governance and the lessons we can learn from history.

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INSIGHT

Madison's Realism

James Madison, despite his deep classical knowledge, recognized the limits of relying on virtue.
He designed the Constitution to account for human vice by dispersing power.

INSIGHT

System Requires Shared Understanding

America's system requires a shared understanding of its history and principles.
Trump's lack of this understanding hindered his ability to effectively govern.

INSIGHT

America as an Experiment

The Founding Fathers viewed America as an experiment in self-governance.
This experiment, as Barack Obama noted, continues today with its inherent risks.

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Ryan speaks with author and journalist Thomas Ricks about his new book, First Principles, the importance of looking back at the virtues and principles embodied by the founding fathers of America, how our current political atmosphere unraveled, and more.

Thomas Ricks is an American journalist and author who has won the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting multiple times. He is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq and A Soldier's Duty.

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