Morning routines shape our lives, and few can rival the illustrious Benjamin Franklin’s famed philosophy: “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Yet, the enigma lies not merely in the early hour but rather in the rituals that unfurl as dawn breaks.
Upon the gentle stir of wakefulness, Franklin posed himself a pivotal inquiry: “What good shall I do this day?” This daily introspection is less iconic yet rich with meaning, beckoning us to contemplate the worth of our endeavors.
In contrast, my mornings often began under the weight of mundane thoughts: “What drudgery awaits?” and “What calamities world news will unfurl today?” However, inspired by Franklin, I’ve embraced his ethos, now prompting myself daily with the question: “What good can I enact today?” This mantra is inscribed on paper, serving as a steadfast reminder, hanging just above my desk.
This shift in mindset emerged from my recent venture, a year devoted to embodying the very essence of the Founding Fathers, chronicled in my latest tome, “The Year of Living Constitutionally.” It’s a narrative steeped in historical wisdom, where virtue was the cornerstone of societal ideals.
The Founders, encapsulating virtue’s essence, believed that it signified a commitment to the public good—a stark contrast to the modern co-opting of the term into phrases like “virtue signaling.” Today, this term often paints a negative image, depicting individuals as self-righteous showboats, rather than authentic contributors to the greater good.
In the Revolutionary era, virtue held a sacred status. As Thomas E. Ricks noted in “First Principles,” the Founders invoked the term around 6,000 times, eclipsing even the word “freedom” in their written expressions. Such frequency underscores a societal ethos, one where the interests of the community outweighed personal ambitions—a principle captured in the Constitution’s Preamble: “General Welfare.”
In our contemporary landscape, the idea of virtue sometimes evokes a cringe, reflecting an era where individualism reigns supreme. Yet, one wonders if we might benefit from a renaissance of this concept. Personally, I feel the tug towards a more virtuous existence. As I navigate the waters of my individual rights—blessings I cherish deeply—there occasionally lurks a feeling that these privileges ought to carry corresponding responsibilities.
Wouldn’t it be enriching if the Constitution elucidated a Bill of Responsibilities? In an age steeped in ego, where community service often slips into the shadows, the Founders’ era exemplified the expectation to act for the collective.
Picture a scene: a community member bolstering the local fire brigade, selflessly aiding a neighbor in distress, or a man valiantly serving his community by joining the militia. Such acts were once commonplace, etched into the fabric of 18th-century life.
When my family and I crafted a familial Constitution, we didn’t just pen rights; we infused our document with responsibilities, understanding that an individual’s role in society is not merely to exist but to assist.
The notion of duty isn’t synonymous with sainthood. On the contrary, engaging in service enriches one’s own happiness. Jeffrey Rosen, President of the National Constitution Center, encapsulates this sentiment eloquently: “Happiness wasn’t about feeling good. It was about doing good.”
Reflecting upon this, I’ve discovered healing through altruism. During moments of melancholy, redirecting my focus to others has proven rejuvenating, pulling me from the morass of self-absorption.
That simple phrase hanging above my workspace serves not only as a guiding principle but as a remedy to my less savory impulses. When the trivialities of social media provoke my ire—like an Instagram post floundering for attention—that moral reminder brings clarity and perspective.
As I delve into my latest work, “The Year of Living Constitutionally,” I muse on the wisdom of past leaders, invigorated by their enduring legacy. It is time for us to revive the ideals that defined our nation—to question how we might contribute positively in a world clamoring for more connection, responsibility, and, dare I say, virtue.
