I recently visited the National Archives in Washington, DC to view the United States Constitution. The United States Constitution was signed with a goose feather by George Washington and 38 other Founders 238 years ago.
Walking into the rotunda where the Constitution is on display feels like visiting a cathedral, except for the smell of incense. (See video at the top of this article.)
The ceiling is high.
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The lighting is dimmed to avoid damaging the delicate calfskin documents.
Visitors speak in hushed voices.
Best-selling author AJ Jacobs (left), who lives in New York City, spent a year “living” the Constitution — including an up-close visit to it at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. was. His new book, “A Year of Living According to the Constitution,'' is about that experience. ” (AJ Jacobs; iStock)
And at the far end of the room, in a softly lit case of thick glass and titanium filled with inert argon gas, you'll see four butter-colored pages.
As you approach the case, the first thing you see are the three famous words written in elegant backward calligraphy. “We the People.”
The Founding Fathers taught that health, happiness, and helping others are important parts of a free and responsible society.
To me, these are the three most important words in our founding document and the most inspirational.
These are words that I believe we need to emphasize in these stressful political times. Because America only works if “We the People” care, pay attention, and engage.
“America only works if 'We the People' care, pay attention, and engage.”
One of the guides who works at the National Archives told me that he loves talking to Americans who visit the Constitution in person.
She said they come out of the experience rejuvenated. They want to participate in democracy. They are incentivized to vote in elections, not just presidential elections, but local elections as well.
National Archives in Washington, D.C. “One of the guides who works at the National Archives told me that he loves talking to Americans when they visit the Constitution in person,” says Jacobs ( Inset). (AJ Jacobs; iStock)
Or you are willing to run for PTA.
They are reminded that three words refer to them: “We the People.”
This is a good antidote to the all-too-common feelings of helplessness, apathy, and cynicism.
In an election year, Americans need less critical opinion and more sober thinking
Today, people from all walks of life feel disconnected.
Many dismiss the system as too corrupt or unfair to save, so why bother?
“I like having kids at school teach them how to be better citizens.”
But the best way to improve a participation system is to participate.
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Visiting the Constitution is one way to remember that America is a collection of “We the People.” But other strategies are also needed.
First of all, I'm all for having schools teach kids how to be better citizens. We need to add more civics to the curriculum, but maybe we shouldn't call it “civics.”
A voter fills out a ballot in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 2022. “The best way to improve participation systems is to participate.” (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
Those words just put people to sleep. It's too abstract and tasteless.
However, the theme is not entirely abstract. The question is, how can we build a society where people with different tastes can live happily and prosperously together?
Crafting by hand the great tradition of American individualism
It's about how “we the people” live our lives.
I also think it would be helpful to focus more on the first word “we”.
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To survive, America needs to be an “us” country, not an “us versus them” country.
We need some kind of glue to hold our increasingly divided country together. what is that glue?
Jacobs studied and “lived” the words and actions of Ben Franklin and other American Founding Fathers, shown at right. (AJ Jacobs; Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
There is no clear answer.
However, I think that focusing on certain types of services may be a contributing factor.
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When our country was founded, men were part of the militia.
All men between the ages of 16 and 60 were required to report for training four times a year.
Jacobs' new book is “The Year of Living the Constitution.” (AJ Jacobs)
I'm relieved that this requirement no longer exists, but perhaps it served as the nation's glue during its founding.
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Whatever services people engage with today, we hope it provides a shared experience worth considering.
“A year of living according to the Constitution: One man’s modest quest to follow the original meaning of the Constitution.” Written by AJ Jacobs (2024) is published by Crown.
