Bestselling author and journalist A.J. Jacobs has made a name for himself by immersing himself in a particular topic for an extended period of time. His latest adventure involved living “by the Constitution and getting in the mindset of our Founding Fathers” for a full year. During this time, he wrote most of his book with a quill pen to eliminate distractions and improve his focus. This experience made him a better and more subtle thinker, emphasizing the importance of avoiding distractions in today’s digital age.
Jacobs’ deep dive into the Constitution taught him several valuable life hacks, which are especially relevant in the current year. He discovered that the Founders were open-minded and willing to change their opinions based on new evidence. He also realized the importance of understanding the Constitution and the role it plays in American life, inspiring him to study it in depth and participate in activities that allowed him to immerse himself in its principles.
One key takeaway for Jacobs was the realization that Election Day should be celebrated rather than viewed as a chore. He learned about the historical tradition of election cakes and initiated a project to bring back this festive spirit during elections. By making voting more celebratory, more people are likely to participate in the democratic process. Jacobs emphasized the importance of cherishing the freedom to choose our own leaders and celebrating the virtues of democracy.
During his year of living constitutionally, Jacobs also rediscovered the importance of helping others and reaching out to neighbors. He reflected on the concept of virtue, which involves self-sacrifice and putting the greater good ahead of personal desires. In today’s society, where individualism is often prioritized, Jacobs believes that reviving this mindset of community and responsibility is crucial for building a stronger society.
Despite the challenges and inconveniences he faced during his year-long experiment, Jacobs expressed gratitude for the modern conveniences and advancements that make life easier. He shared a humorous anecdote about visiting the dermatologist to illustrate his appreciation for anesthesia. Through his exploration of the Constitution and the values of the Founding Fathers, Jacobs encourages others to reflect on the principles that underpin American democracy and to consider how they can contribute to a more engaged and virtuous society.
