Founding Fathers valued civic virtue for a flourishing Republic
- In 1778, while at Valley Forge, American revolutionaries were inspired by a performance of 'Cato: A Tragedy,' reflecting their admiration for classical thought.
- The Founding Fathers were influenced by Plato's emphasis on civic virtue, believing that a society's success depends on its citizens' moral character.
- Their experiences ultimately led them to establish a Constitution that protects individual freedoms, distancing themselves from Plato's ideas on governance.
In 1778, during the American Revolutionary War, while camped at Valley Forge, American revolutionaries were influenced by a performance of Joseph Addison's tragedy 'Cato: A Tragedy.' This play depicted the noble struggle of a Roman senator against tyranny and inspired key figures like George Washington. The Founding Fathers, who were educated in classical philosophy, admired thinkers like Plato and Aristotle. Though they held reservations about Plato's views on governance and freedom, his advocacy for civic virtue resonated with them. They believed that a society cannot thrive without virtuous citizens, emphasizing that active participation in government is crucial for maintaining liberty and autonomy. The Constitution they drafted explicitly protects individual freedoms, including the pursuit of happiness, contrasting with Plato's idea of a ruling class of philosopher-kings. The Founders' wariness of autocracy shaped their belief in a system powered by citizen engagement and oversight. Even while acknowledging Plato's contributions, they firmly rejected systems that concentrated power, instead promoting a government that safeguards individual rights.