Founding Principle # 2: Only a Virtuous, Morally Strong People are Capable of Freedom

Continuing our series that showcases 28 major principles the founding fathers adhered to when founding America is founding principle #2: only a virtuous, morally strong people are capable of freedom. Adapted from The 5000 Year Leap. 

Founding Principle # 2: Only a Virtuous, Morally Strong People are Capable of Freedom

To understand this principle, you’ll have to consider the fact that the majority of the citizens of a country need to possess strong morals and a virtuous nature to remain free. This makes sense considering the officials who are in power are elected by the people. If the citizens are corrupt and devoid of morals, then what problem would they have with electing people who have the same types of beliefs?

Probably the largest difference between the Americans of 1776 and the Americans of today is that the original Americans doubted whether they could sustain a self-governed nation, they doubted their capacity to remain moral and virtuous. Today that doubt is not considered by the general population.

Being involved, taking a stand, and having an opinion was considered a moral duty by the founding fathers

Their Definition

In their definition of being moral and virtuous, the founding fathers included things such as being involved in your government, staying informed on current events, possessing a sense of patriotism and community, and a commitment to liberty.

The founding fathers also had what seemed to be a curious fear of British extravagance and luxury, believing that if these things took hold in the colonies, then the industrious and virtuous nature of the American settlers would be in grave danger.