How have we allowed such a daring story as the American founding to become so flat? A history lesson so simple, tidy, and inevitable that it can be covered in one day’s class?
Dr. Matthew Spalding, dean of Hillsdale’s Van Andel Graduate School of Government, wants to revive the living story of the American founding—and the Declaration of Independence, in particular. Calling it our nation’s “epic poem,” he sees in this document as a layered poetic, philosophical, and practical work of the American Mind. This week on HeightsCast, Dr. Spalding invites educators (and everyday citizens) to understand our nation’s founding as so much more than just “an Enlightenment experiment.”
Chapters:
00:03:04 “The American Mind” in 1776
00:08:36 A better definition of patriotism
00:10:57 Declaration of Independence: our epic poem
00:14:43 How and why we teach history
00:16:36 Founding influences: more than the Enlightenment
00:21:46 The American synthesis
00:26:40 “Pursuit of happiness” in context
00:29:22 Why the founding narrative is mistold
00:38:06 New surprises in old studies
00:41:32 Finding common ground today
Links:
Dr. Matthew Spalding, Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government, Hillsdale College
The Making of the American Mind: The Story of Our Declaration of Independence by Matthew Spalding
We Still Hold These Truths: Rediscovering Our Principles, Reclaiming Our Future by Matthew Spalding
The Founders’ Almanac: A Practical Guide to the Notable Events, Greatest Leaders, and Most Eloquent Words of the American Founding by Matthew Spalding
Also on the Forum:
On the Importance of History, Part I featuring Dr. Matthew Spalding
Why Arguments Make History by Mark Grannis
Keeping the Story in History by Mark Grannis
Featured Opportunities:
Parents’ Conference at The Heights School (April 25, 2026)
Teaching Essentials Workshop at The Heights School (June 22-26, 2026)