The Essential Wisdom of the Founding Fathers

By Fall River Press

Sink or swim, live or die, survive or perish, I am with my country from this day on. You may depend on it.—John Adams 
When the American colonies launched their unprecedented revolution that not only defeated the British Empire, but also founded the world’s first modern democracy, the fledgling nation was guided through its tumultuous creation by the forward-thinking leaders who became known as the Founding Fathers.
 
The Essential Wisdom of the Founding Fathers brings together hundreds of quotations from creators of the American experiment. Drawn from their private letters, speeches, books, essays, discourses, and declarations, the selections reveal and reflect the thoughts, philosophies, and deepest convictions of the Founding Fathers.  
 
In this book:

• George Washington implores his troops to keep fighting in the cause for liberty
• Alexander Hamilton champions the equal protection of the law for every citizen
• Thomas Jefferson warns of the dangers inherent in limiting the free press
• Benjamin Franklin rejoices at the return of peace after the ravages of war

 
The founders also exchange their passionately held views on such subjects as the sanctity of freedom; the supremacy of law; the dictates of justice; the meaning of patriotism; and the perils of politics. Still other excerpts reveal a more personal side of the patriots. John Adams longs for the company of his wife and children; Benjamin Franklin lovingly recalls his father’s penchant for good conversation; and George Washington shares keen insights into the nature of friendship.
 
A necessary book for turbulent times, The Essential Wisdom of the Founding Fathers is a thought-provoking and powerful reminder of the inspirational and unifying beliefs and core values of America’s founders.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fall River Press
• Release date: Sep 24, 2018
• ISBN: 9781435168558

Reviews for The Essential Wisdom of the Founding Fathers

[phyllisharrison · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Would you really like to know what the founding fathers would have said about the current elections and state of things in our country? You have only to listen to the voices of the past that come through with stunning relevancy, no psychic medium or seance needed. I started out by bookmarking the pages that I found particularly intriguing but on nearly every page there is something to make you laugh, catch your breath at chilling predictions of what was to be, and eery parallels to events of today. For example, John Adams to his wife Abigail,"We live, my dear soul, in an age of trial. What will be the consequences, I know not."Alexander Hamilton in the Federalist Papers,"It seems to have been reserved to the people of this country, by their conduct and example, to decide the important question, whether societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force."Thomas Jefferson, letter to Henry Lee, August 10, 1824, "Men by their constitutions are naturally divided into two parties: 1. Those who fear and distrust the people, and wish to draw all powers from them into the hands of the higher classes. 2. Those who identify themselves with the people, have confidence in them, cherish and consider them as the most honest and safe, although not the most wise depository of the public interests. In every country these two parties exist; and in every one where they are free to think, speak, and write, they will declare themselves."Most of the quotes are only a sentence or two, but they provide enough thought for a day. I have been meaning to read more complete writings by Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson but never seem to get around to it. This little book of gems is just over 100 pages with short biographies of the authors in case we forget who John Witherspoon or William Prescott was. I can think of a few other departed patriots that I would love to have a discussion with if I ever get the chance, but this is a satisfying read. It fits into a pocket for some quick reading, perhaps while you stand in line to vote this election year. I highly recommend it for readers of any political party in any country. How did we get so many brilliant minds in one place? Their wisdom transcends the centuries. Carol Kelly-Gangi has provided us with a wonderful reminder of who we are and where we came from.