Skip to main content
Devotionals and Forums

Jeffrey Rosen explores virtue as the key to true happiness

Devotional for Jan. 28

Emphasizing virtue as the foundation of true joy, Jeffrey Rosen — president and CEO of the National Constitution Center — discussed the pursuit of happiness in his forum on Jan. 28.

Centered on moral philosophy and the principles of America’s founding fathers, Rosen’s remarks drew on his journey through deep reading and self-reflection during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rosen began by recounting his exploration of Cicero's “Tusculan Disputations,” a text that influenced many of the founding fathers, including Thomas Jefferson, who drew his definition of 'the pursuit of happiness' from Cicero.

DSC01524.JPG
Jeffery Rosen addresses the BYU audience. Rosen's forum was titled "The Pursuit of Happiness." (Rory Hill)

“It's from that manual Jefferson takes his core definition of the pursuit of happiness,” Rosen said. “Which says, 'He who has achieved tranquility of soul, who is neither unduly exuberant nor unduly despondent, he is the self-composed whom we request. He is the wise happiness.'”

Through Jefferson’s and Franklin’s writings, Rosen found a profound shift in how happiness was defined. Rather than pursuing fleeting pleasures or material gain, they believed true happiness came from the consistent effort to live virtuously and improve oneself.

"Happiness has meant not feeling good, but being good," Rosen said. “Not the pursuit of immediate pleasure, but the pursuit of long-term virtue."

Using scripture and classical philosophy, Rosen highlighted the daily mindfulness required to pursue virtue. He referenced Jesus’ call in Matthew to "be perfect" and connected it to the founding fathers’ belief in striving for personal and civic improvement.

“The pursuit of virtue requires daily, hourly mindfulness,” Rosen said.

DSC01527.JPG
Jeffrey Rosen speaks with President C. Shane Reese and Academic Vice President Justin Collings following his forum. Rosen spoke on virtue's role in the pursuit of happiness. (Rory Hill)

After inviting the audience to recite Doctrine and Covenants section 4, Rosen applauded the audience's focus on cultivating virtue, noting that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints already practice principles like temperance and prudence daily.

“Friends, you are uniquely well prepared for the daily cultivation of virtue because you live it, and you know the importance of attempting in your daily life,” Rosen said.

Rosen’s address also underscored the connection between personal self-mastery and the preservation of democracy. Citing James Madison, Rosen explained that unchecked passion undermines reason and threatens the republic. He reminded listeners of John Quincy Adams’ warning that understanding constitutional principles is crucial for avoiding societal collapse.

In closing, Rosen invited the audience to do two things. First, he urged students to develop a habit of deep reading, not just for classes but for personal elevation and self-improvement. Second, he encouraged the audience to study the principles of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence.

“Take these principles as frontlets between your eyes, place them upon your door posts, bind them to your hands and your arms,” Rosen said, quoting Adams. “Whisper them to your children before you sleep, make them the principles of your political salvation.”