In George Washington’s undelivered first draft of his first inaugural address, he answered the accusation that he was running for political office to enrich himself. “Divine Providence hath not seen fit,” he wrote, “that my blood should be transmitted or my name perpetuated by the endearing, though sometimes seducing channel of immediate offspring.” In explaining […]
Manners are indispensable to a democratic society and therefore merit a degree of seriousness they are not presently afforded. The ensuing argument for manners will unfold in two parts. First, I will envision a Lockean democratic regime, consisting of free individuals, in which manners are absent in order to illustrate their significance. Second, I will […]
I am conflicted about how to think of the future. I am first drawn to the opinion of the optimist, charmed by John Stuart Mill’s assessment that “our general tendency is that towards a better and happier state.” This is a view that speaks of our current participation in an upward arc of modern civilization, […]
If someone wanted to learn what Princeton stands for, it would not take very long. Ask any student, and chances are they will quickly respond with the following ten words: “Princeton in the nation’s service and the service of humanity.” Enter Princeton’s campus, and, in front of Nassau Hall, you will see those words carved […]
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