First Principles

What America's Founders Learned from the Greeks and Romans and How That Shaped Our Country

By: Thomas E. Ricks

Narrated by: James Lurie

Length: 11 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

The Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and #1 New York Times bestselling author offers a revelatory new book about the founding fathers, examining their educations and, in particular, their devotion to the ancient Greek and Roman classics—and how that influence would shape their ideals and the new American nation.

On the morning after the 2016 presidential election, Thomas Ricks awoke with a few questions on his mind: What kind of nation did we now have? Is it what was designed or intended by the nation's founders? Trying to get as close to the source as he could, Ricks decided to go back and read the philosophy and literature that shaped the founders' thinking, and the letters they wrote to each other debating these crucial works—among them the Iliad, Plutarch's Lives, and the works of Xenophon, Epicurus, Aristotle, Cato, and Cicero. For though much attention has been paid the influence of English political philosophers, like John Locke, closer to their own era, the founders were far more immersed in the literature of the ancient world.

The first four American presidents came to their classical knowledge differently. Washington absorbed it mainly from the elite culture of his day; Adams from the laws and rhetoric of Rome; Jefferson immersed himself in classical philosophy, especially Epicureanism; and Madison, both a groundbreaking researcher and a deft politician, spent years studying the ancient world like a political scientist. Each of their experiences, and distinctive learning, played an essential role in the formation of the United States. In examining how and what they studied, looking at them in the unusual light of the classical world, Ricks is able to draw arresting and fresh portraits of men we thought we knew.

First Principles follows these four members of the Revolutionary generation from their youths to their adult lives, as they grappled with questions of independence, and forming and keeping a new nation. In doing so, Ricks interprets not only the effect of the ancient world on each man, and how that shaped our constitution and government, but offers startling new insights into these legendary leaders.

©2020 Thomas E. Ricks (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

Virtue Or Faction? That is the Question

An excellent story and production how the literature of Greek and Roman antiquity fired the imagination of our republic’s founders.

US early government formatio thinking

A good understanding of the basis our leaders in our early government used to form their opinions and their actions. both good and bad it's an excellent perspective and in listening gives us a good perspective for different things that have happened in our history such as what's happening today and in each major self initiated insult we've experienced throughout our history.

This book ties them together

I’ve read dozens of books about the founding and the founding fathers, this one relates each to the others. The same can be said about the chronology of events. In so doing, it delivers many aha moments!

Brilliant

I really loved this book. This is a new approach to understanding the founders of our country; one I've never encountered before. That translates into I learned something new about them, about America and maybe even about me as an American. I've always had trouble with Jefferson and Adams. Jefferson because of his massive contradictions, Adams, well, because he's Adams. Now I think I understand them better. Ricks gets Washington and Madison or at least I agree with him. I don't think he understood Hamilton nearly as well. I've already read/ listened to it twice. James Lurie gives a masterful performance. Just a wonderful book!

Outstanding

Knowing what the Framers read helps one appreciate the intent behind The Constitution — the intent behind our country.

Required Reading for Every Patriot

Well researched. Accessible. Presents the continuing strengths of our Constitutionand perilsof human authorityin goverment .

Brilliant book

I read the book and enjoyed it so much I listened to the audio version. The reader was excellent .

History and writing at its best

The only word I can use for this piece is Brilliant. The author presents background that I was never aware of. As author he can present comparisons as much as he would like and I enjoy his opinions. Who knew the Romans and Greeks had so much influence on our founding fathers. By the end of the book I am want for more. I will purchase the paperback because there is so much excellent information in this audible edition. By the way the narrator is EXCELLENT. The narrator makes all the difference in the world in Audible books. Thanks Thomas Ricks for this amazing piece of research.

Enlightening Read

A fundamental and essential presentation in the understanding and perpetuating our American experiment!
Great research.

Ruined it with the epilogue.

A fine review of the first 4 Presidents. It was ruined with partisan and bald faced insults to the current President. Like the man or not, it was unnecessary and petty.