A Matter Of Character: Examining America’S Founders, Education, And Virtue

The pursuit of education, particularly literacy, was a significant focus for European settlers during the Colonial era in America. This fact is widely acknowledged. However, what often goes unnoticed is the immense importance placed by the Founding Fathers on instilling virtues in the young. They believed that the primary purpose of education was to cultivate character.

In a letter written during that time, a mother expressed her conviction that the heedlessness and thoughtlessness of youth necessitate consistent guidance and teachings. She even went as far as stating that she would rather see her child meet an untimely death during infancy or in the treacherous ocean than witness them grow up to be an immoral or graceless individual.

Curiously, the focus on imparting virtuous values seems to have disappeared from public schools. Apart from a few private academies and homeschooling, character education, which held utmost importance for the sons and daughters of the American Revolution, gradually vanished several decades ago. This absence may help explain some of the problems our nation faces today.

Perhaps this unintended neglect is a blessing in disguise, as it allows parents, rather than the state, to take command of their children’s ethical and moral development. Thankfully, there is an extensive collection of books and resources available to parents and teachers that focus on instilling virtue in children. By searching online, one can find resources regarding teaching virtues to children, including collections like Bennett’s “The Book of Virtues,” various guides on character building both at home and in the classroom, as well as numerous websites providing practical guidance, recommended readings, and activities. Parents, grandparents, mentors, and teachers will find a wealth of reinforcements to assist them in promoting moral excellence in their children.

As Samuel Adams wrote to Joseph Warren in 1775, “No people will willingly surrender their liberties, nor can any be easily subdued when knowledge is widespread, and Virtue is preserved.” Keeping these words and sentiments of our Founding Fathers in mind, parents and teachers should consider incorporating the study and practice of virtues into their curriculum as they plan and prepare for the upcoming school year.