Episode 27: Lessons in Liberty – A Conversation with Jeremy S. Adams

Episode 27: Lessons in Liberty – A Conversation with Jeremy S. Adams

In this episode of Elevated Thoughts, Mike and I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jeremy Adams, a high school teacher, author, and passionate advocate for American ideals. Jeremy’s newest book, Lessons in Liberty: 30 Rules for Living from Ten Extraordinary Americans, serves as a guide to understanding what it means to live a meaningful, virtuous life. As someone who's spent decades in the classroom, Jeremy brings a unique perspective to the conversation, not only as an educator but as someone deeply concerned about the cultural and political shifts in our country.

We kicked off the episode by discussing a fundamental issue: the role of the president and the increasing trend of legislating from the executive office. Jeremy, as a long-time government teacher, emphasized that the president’s role is to lead, not to legislate. This distinction, he argues, has become blurred in recent years, and it's one of the many American principles that are often overlooked in today's political climate.

The Power of Education and Civic Engagement

One of the most compelling aspects of Jeremy’s work is his dedication to helping young people understand their potential to change the world. As he mentioned in our conversation, teachers have a unique vantage point. They see firsthand how cultural, technological, and political shifts impact the younger generation long before those effects become apparent to society at large.

Jeremy shared powerful anecdotes about his students' shifting views on patriotism and civic duty. Many young people today, as Jeremy pointed out, are disillusioned with the concept of patriotism, equating it with turning a blind eye to America’s historical flaws. However, he stressed that real patriotism is about recognizing those flaws while striving to live up to the country's ideals. It's a message that resonates deeply in today’s polarized environment, where nuance is often lost.

Patriotism Through the Lens of History

Throughout the episode, Jeremy explored the lives of historical figures, such as Daniel Inouye, a Hawaiian senator and World War II veteran who exemplified what it means to be a true patriot. Inouye’s story of perseverance, from being denied the opportunity to fight for his country due to his Japanese heritage to becoming one of the most decorated soldiers in U.S. history, underscores the idea that love for America is about fighting to make it better, not waiting for it to be perfect.

As Jeremy emphasized, patriots don’t wait for perfection. They love their country for what it can become and work tirelessly to bridge the gap between its current reality and its ideals. It’s a lesson that is especially relevant today as many young people struggle with what it means to be proud of their country.

Bridging Political Divides

We wrapped up the episode by reflecting on the importance of bipartisanship and the dangers of hyper-partisanship in today's political landscape. Jeremy shared stories of historical figures like John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, who, despite their deep political disagreements, maintained a friendship that helped shape the future of America. He stressed that friendship and political ideology are not mutually exclusive and that finding common ground is essential for progress.

Jeremy’s insights, drawn from both his experiences in the classroom and his extensive research into American history, provide a valuable perspective on how we can navigate the challenges facing our nation today. His call for a return to civic virtue, respect for differing opinions, and a renewed focus on what unites us as Americans is a timely reminder of what it truly means to live a life rooted in liberty.

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