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What kind of citizens are likely to emerge in a nation founded on individual rights, equality, enterprise and commerce, and freedom of religion? What virtues are required for a robust citizenry? The Meaning of America explores American character and American identity in ways that will produce thoughtful and engaged citizens.
Why do people need national identity and attachment? Explore the meaning and significance of national identity in general and American identity in particular as editors Amy A. Kass and Leon R. Kass discuss Edward Everett Hale's story with Wilfred M. McClay.
What should we think of self-reliant, enterprising, risk-taking individuals? Reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of American individualism and independence as editors Amy A. Kass and Leon R. Kass discuss Jack London's story with William Schambra.
What kind of equality should we care about? Examine the difference between equality of outcome and equality of opportunity as editors Amy A. Kass, Leon R. Kass, and Diana Schaub discuss Kurt Vonnegut's story with James W. Ceaser.
Is the commercial spirit good for civic virtue? Consider the status of virtue in a democratic society devoted to gain and self-interest as editors Amy A. Kass and Leon R. Kass discuss Mark Twain's story with David Brooks.
What kind of religious beliefs and practices support civic freedom and virtue? Compare two guiding ideas of the American republic—the pursuit of happiness and the spirit of reverence—as editors Amy A. Kass, Leon R. Kass, and Diana Schaub discuss Nathaniel Hawthorne's story with Yuval Levin.
What personal virtues are necessary for a self-governing people? Consider the virtues of self-command and self-respect as editors Amy A. Kass, Leon R. Kass, and Diana Schaub discuss Benjamin Franklin's story with Wilfred M. McClay.
Does our obligation to uphold the law admit of exceptions? Debate the elementary civic virtue of law-abidingness and the appropriateness of civil disobedience as editors Amy A. Kass, Leon R. Kass, and Diana Schaub discuss Susan Glaspell's story with Christopher DeMuth.
Why do ordinary citizens risk their lives for their country? Explore the virtue of courage and how it can be cultivated, especially among self-interested citizens oriented toward the pursuit of their own happiness, as editors Amy A. Kass and Leon R. Kass discuss Michael Shaara's story with Eliot A. Cohen.
How can one inspire courage and self-sacrifice? Examine the role of honor and duty in inspiring men to fight as editors Amy A. Kass and Leon R. Kass discuss George S. Patton's speech with Eliot A. Cohen.
What do we owe our neighbors and fellow citizens? Reflect on the need for the virtue of compassion and civic attitudes toward our neighbors as editors Amy A. Kass, Leon R. Kass, and Diana Schaub discuss Herman Melville's story with Wilfred M. McClay.
Of what use is the American flag in promoting national attachment? Explore the meaning of the flag as a symbol of the nation as editors Amy A. Kass, Leon R. Kass, and Diana Schaub discuss Willa Cather's story with William Schambra.