Resolution with George Washington

George Washington’s defining leadership quality is that he fulfilled his promise to relinquish power after the conclusion of both the Revolutionary War and his second presidential term. Jeffrey Rosen speaks with Ken Burns and Washington biographer Ed Larson about the importance of keeping your word and letting go.

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 7, Resolution with George Washington is hosted by Jeffrey Rosen, featuring Ed Larson and Ken Burns with voice acting by Charlie Warren.

© 2025 National Constitution Center. All Rights Reserved.

From PRX Productions: Genevieve Sponsler, Courtney Fleurantin, David Newtown, Tommy Bazarian, 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.