Two Announcements: Democracy and Disunion
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Two Announcements: Democracy and Disunion
Saturday, September 9, 2023, and Spring semester at Vanderbilt University
As I transition from San Francisco to Nashville to embark upon a new chapter in my life, nothing matters more than friends and family. Next in line after these pillars of well-being is meaningful work, and I am especially grateful that next semester I will be teaching an undergraduate course at Vanderbilt with a good friend, Nick Zeppos, entitled “How Democracies Thrive” (Spring 2024).
In this instance, Nick and I are combining friendship and meaningful work into a single endeavor. It’s a remarkable alchemy.
1. How Democracies Thrive
We are currently discussing the central question of the course as we begin to prepare the syllabus: What are the essential cornerstones of a democracy without which it will not survive and thrive?
In some ways, this course is a culmination of my research and thinking on democracy since 2018, and, of course, it dovetails nicely with the core themes I have been writing about about here on American Commonwealth and discussing with Nick for several years.
So, stay tuned. The course will figure prominently in future essays I write as we all think together, and work together, to make our democracy the best, the most ethical, and the most representative and inclusive it can possibly be.
What are the essential cornerstones of a democracy without which it will not thrive?
If you have thoughts to share, please comment here or email me at eli.merritt@vanderbilt.edu
2. Book Talk at Vanderbilt Bookstore on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 2 pm
The second announcement is a book talk I am giving at the Vanderbilt Bookstore this upcoming Saturday, September 9, at 2 pm. It is sponsored jointly by the bookstore and Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries.
At the book talk, I will be discussing not only the American Revolution but also the role fear played during my adolescence and young adulthood and why it led me to conclusion that this powerful emotion is the No. 1 driver of human behavior—and the No. 1 driver of human history.
Book talk on Disunion Among Ourselves: The Perilous Politics of the American Revolution
Vanderbilt Bookstore
Saturday, September 9, 2 pm
2501 West End Ave, Nashville, TN
If you know any history buffs who might be interested in the book or book talk, please take a moment to share this email.
If you have ideas about what makes democracy thrive, comment below or reach out (eli.merritt@vanderbilt.edu). Nick and I will greatly value your input, integrating it into our thinking and the development of the course.