Moderation with Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton was defined by his “ruling passion” for fame and spent his life trying to control his ambition. Jeffrey Rosen, historian Stephen Knott and Ken Burns will explore Hamilton’s life and legacy to see what lessons he can teach us about restraint.

Now that you’ve learned that the pursuit of happiness means being good, not feeling good, how has that affected your daily life? Send a voice message with your thoughts on this question and we may even include excerpts in our final episode. 

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Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide To Happiness is produced by PRX Productions for the National Constitution Center. It is made possible with support from the John Templeton Foundation.

Episode 8, Moderation with Alexander Hamilton is hosted by Jeffrey Rosen, featuring Stephen Knott and Ken Burns with voice acting by Gregory Parks. 

© 2025 National Constitution Center. All Rights Reserved.

From PRX Productions: Genevieve Sponsler, Courtney Fleurantin, David Newtown, Sandra Lopez Monsalve, Tommy Bazarian, Pedro Rafael Rosado, and Jocelyn Gonzalez

From the National Constitution Center: Annie Stone, Griffin Richie, and Bill Pollock

"The Golden Mean: Songs for the Pursuit of Happiness" by Jeffrey Rosen. Arrangements by Greg Strohman. Featuring James Martin, Jennifer Blyth, and Greg Strohman.

© ℗ 2025 Jeffrey Rosen. All Rights Reserved.