WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 19, 2024) — Laurent Bili, the ambassador of France to the United States, awarded and honored National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen with the title of Chevalier, or knight, of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, or “Order of Arts and Letters,” at a special event celebrating the release of Rosen’s new book in Washington, D.C., on Saturday night.
Rosen’s new book, The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America, is an examination of what the iconic phrase meant to our nation’s Founders and how those famous words defined their lives and became the foundation of American democracy. The author of seven previous books, including the New York Times bestseller Conversations with RBG: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Life, Love, Liberty, and Law, Rosen has written on some of the great American jurists, the Supreme Court, and the intersection between philosophy, law, and the American idea.
“What could be more meaningful than educating people about the Constitution and bringing it alive, as you do in your capacity as director of the National Constitution Center,” Bili said to Rosen in awarding the medal. “For us, you are not only a highly regarded constitutional scholar, but also an essential participant in the discussion of ideas between the U.S. and France …. As a renowned mediator, you regularly host French-American events at the National Constitution Center that showcase the deep historical roots of the French-American relationship. As a writer, your voice and your ideas amplify French thinking in the United States and vice versa.”
“The U.S. and French Republics were founded on the principles of liberty, equality, and government by consent, and it’s so meaningful to explore our shared constitutional traditions.” Rosen said. “I’m honored to receive this distinction as a mark of our joint commitment to preserving liberty by limiting power.”
The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, first established in 1957 by France’s Minister of Culture and confirmed in 1963 by President Charles de Gaulle, recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the arts, literature, or the advancement of these fields.
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About the National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution. A private, nonprofit organization, the Center serves as America’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate, fulfilling its congressional charter “to disseminate information about the U.S. Constitution on a nonpartisan basis.” As the Museum of We the People, the Center brings the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages through interactive programs and exhibits. As America’s Town Hall, the Center brings the leading conservative and liberal thought leaders together to debate the Constitution on all media platforms. As a Headquarters for Civic Education, the Center delivers the best educational programs and online resources that inspire citizens and engage all Americans in learning about the U.S. Constitution. For more information, call 215-409-6700 or visit constitutioncenter.org.
