250 years ago, a new nation was brought forth by a People who believed they were capable of governing themselves. As long as each citizen pursued their own path to happiness, the nation would be free. Happiness, like sobriety, was not a thing to acquire but a goal to practice every day.

In the early era, Americans understood that happiness was more about emotional intelligence than making a lot of money. In those days, school children studied ancient philosophy and scripture to direct their attention towards inner strengths rather than external goods.

Sadly, few today understand what is meant by the Pursuit of Happiness. But even if the cultivation of civic virtue is no longer part of our curriculum, there is still evidence of its presence upon the land. The Civil Rights Movement, 12-step programs, and the formalities of the Court Room, all lead us back to this soul-filled politics. We’ll look at what the Pursuit of Happiness meant and what it can mean to us now.