Life of Washington: Humorous Embellishment

Upon Washington’s death, interest in his private life—and the man behind the public image—only increased, and Weems answered that demand by writing “Life of Washington.” It immediately became an instant success and retained popularity. Through the 19th century, it was among the most popular books in America, and many of the stories in his biography continue to be taught to young children in modern-day America. But the question is, how accurate is the biography, and is it believable? Is it an insightful piece of American scholarship or crude propaganda meant to deify the chief Founding Father? … More Life of Washington: Humorous Embellishment

What is Classical Liberalism?

What is classical liberalism? Although associated with laissez-faire economics and skepticism towards government-run welfare programs, that is not the historic classical liberalism of Benjamin Constant and Frederic Bastiat. True, classical liberals believe in the free-market economy, disdain central banking, wish to limit taxes and governmental regulations, and advocate for peace and free trade over imperialism and tariffs, but that is not what classical liberalism is. … More What is Classical Liberalism?

My Ticket to Wealth, Fame, and Prestige

Asher K. Sisneros Dr. Gary North American Literature December 5, 2024 Note: Dr. Gary North’s writing prompt this morning was amusing. He said, “If you wanted to make money by writing a self-improvement book for Americans, what would you write about?” Well, ol’ North, here’s your answer.   If I wrote a self-improvement book for Americans, … More My Ticket to Wealth, Fame, and Prestige

The Constitution and American Imperialism

Imperialism and liberty cannot coexist within this house we strive to build. Patriotism and nationalism are fine byproducts, but at what cost do we make them our underlying goal? If greatness on the world stage becomes our goal, we will inadvertently sell liberty. Perhaps we will gain international prowess as Hamilton hopes for, but what if the principles of liberty that inspired this conflict in the first place become forgotten and get lost in the process of striving for greatness? … More The Constitution and American Imperialism

Rebels and Humanists

There are men among the ranks of the revolutionaries who style themselves as the “sons of Liberty,” fighting for the rights of all Englishmen. Yet liberty from the King is slavery to Congress. Thus I ask the reader, which master will be less tyrannical: the king who sits across an ocean or the mob who rests by your doorstep?  … More Rebels and Humanists

The Industrial Revolution

A. K. Sisneros Prof. Thomas E. Woods Jr.  Western Civilization Since 1493 November 19, 2024 The Industrial Revolution was a momentous period of innovation through the 19th century. Manufacturing processes were refined, and mechanical innovations made harvesting raw materials more efficient. Throughout recorded history, innovation has been linear and incredibly slow. But the Industrial Revolution … More The Industrial Revolution

The Sin of the French Revolution

Asher K. Sisneros Prof. Thomas E. Woods, Jr.  Western Civilization Since 1493 November 11, 2024 After the success of the American Revolution, a movement erupted in France to rebuild society and create a new social order. The French Revolution was a radical movement, largely inspired by the Enlightenment. The revolutionaries in France fancied themselves as … More The Sin of the French Revolution