How do we understand the intended meaning of the phrase “the pursuit of happiness” as used in the Declaration of Independence? Language changes quickly, often and drastically. Words are added and discarded, as definitions shift. It’s an important question. Jeffrey Rosen to decided that understanding what was written then could be discovered by reading what the framers themselves read. Happily, they left excellent notes about this, and Rosen’s report comes to life as the entertaining book The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America. Rosen’s answer to his own question turns out to be a delightful tribute to the power and import of reading, and then writing about what you’ve read.
Rosen’s strategy is straightforward and pretty simple. For the authors of the Declaration, happiness was not pleasure, but the result of a life of virtue. They were quite specific about these virtues, as many read the same ancient texts on the matter. He pairs each of twelve virtues (order temperance, humility, industry, frugality, sincerity, resolution, moderation, tranquility, cleanliness, justice and silence) with a different founder/framer/author. He makes no apologies for obvious hypocrisies like slavery and women’s rights, and often finds that some of his characters had the same questions. He looks at their reading, writes sonnets about his and their work and discusses how their personal lives reflected their understanding.
The resulting hybrid of history and self-help (you’ll learn a lot about your own aptitude for happiness) is thoroughly engaging storytelling shot through with understated psychological analysis. And because Rosen confronts our personal and national sins with such low-key honesty, never showing judgment, the reader is easily able to bridge the gap between then and now. The quotes from ancient and historical sources are handled well, with the effect of making you want to plow through Rosen’s reading list.
The upshot is that early on, you’ll feel authentically inspired as you read this book. The history is fresh and exciting. You’ll want to implement the plans for “moral improvement” the founders used. They’re doable and make sense. You’ll want to read books, and there are lists at the back to help. You’ll want to write notes. You’ll see the worthiness of work and writing. The Pursuit of Happiness is serious and fun, and proves to be an excellent example of virtue as a source of happiness.
Jeffrey Rosen needs no history to be inspiring. But he wields it well in our interview. Here’s a link to download it, or pour yourself a Sam Adams ale and listen below.
Narrative Species 