The Second Principle: The Role of Virtue in Sustaining a Republic
In W. Cleon Skousen’s “The 5000 Year Leap,” he outlines this vital principle: “A free people cannot survive under a republican constitution unless they remain virtuous and morally strong.” This principle underscores that the health of a republic is closely tied to the moral integrity of its citizens, an idea that resonates with numerous historical voices and contemporary thinkers.
Historical Context and Founding Fathers’ Views
The American founders understood the profound link between personal morality and governmental stability. Benjamin Franklin, often quoted in this context, stated, “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters”. This highlights the belief that freedom requires a populace committed to virtue to prevent the slide into tyranny.
John Adams echoed this sentiment with, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other” This suggests that the American system of government presupposes a certain level of moral conscientiousness among its citizens.
Why Virtue is Crucial
Virtue, in the republican context, means more than individual morality; it’s about civic duty and a commitment to the common good. Skousen, supported by the founders’ writings, asserts that the checks and balances of our government would be futile without a virtuous citizenry. George Washington in his Farewell Address noted, “Virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government”. This principle warns against the decay of a republic through corruption if its people lose their moral bearings.
Modern Implications
The relevance of this principle today cannot be overstated. As Skousen points out, without a commitment to moral strength, the very structure of our republic is at risk. In an era of increasing polarization, this principle calls for a revival of civic virtue. Robespierre during the French Revolution similarly argued, “Now, what is the fundamental principle of popular or democratic government… It is virtue”, emphasizing that democratic governance fundamentally relies on the moral conduct of its people.
Educational and Cultural Reinforcement
To cultivate this necessary virtue, Skousen emphasizes the role of education. The founders advocated for an education system that not only imparts knowledge but also instills moral values. Noah Webster, in “On Education of Youth in America,” argued, “It is an object of vast magnitude that systems of education should… implant in the minds of the American youth the principles of virtue and of liberty”. Here, education is seen as a bulwark against moral decline, ensuring citizens are equipped to govern themselves wisely.
Conclusion
The second principle from “The 5000 Year Leap” serves as a clarion call for vigilance in maintaining the moral strength that underpins our republican form of government. It’s a reminder that true freedom is maintained not just by laws but by the character of the people. As we navigate contemporary challenges, the wisdom of our founders, echoed through the ages by various thinkers, remains our guide. This principle calls for a recommitment to the virtues that sustain liberty, urging us to reflect on our collective moral compass in the ongoing endeavor to keep our republic strong.
References:
- Skousen, W. Cleon. “The 5000 Year Leap: A Miracle That Changed The World.” National Center for Constitutional Studies, 1981.