First Principles
By Thomas E. Ricks
What America's Founders Learned from the Greeks and Romans and How That Shaped Our Country. Harper, 2020.
Summary of First Principles book by Thomas E. Ricks
A close examination of four founding fathers – Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Madison – and the influence that ancient Greek and Roman politics, philosophies, and texts had over them and, consequently, the shaping of America.
Chapters in First Principles book summary
What do you get from this book? Discover how America’s founding fathers created a new nation based on ancient ideas
America’s founding fathers were part of the “revolutionary generation” that was strongly influenced by war and classical ideas
Washington’s fierce leadership and virtue during the French and Indian War embodied everything important about Roman Classicism
John Adams was an educated man who stood out from the founding fathers, modeling himself after Cicero
Thomas Jefferson was born wealthy, went to college, and studied law as well as Greek and Scottish philosophers
James Madison came from an elite family and was strongly influenced by French and Scottish philosophers
The Revolutionary War began in 1765 as the result of increased tension between American colonists and the British
The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson, who used clear language for everyday people and left out religion
Washington was losing the war but adopted a “Fabius strategy,” transforming his battles into victories
Public virtue waned and Washington’s men felt ignored by congress, but the war ended without civil revolt and Washington resigned
The Articles of Confederation were a good first step in uniting the colonies, though classical ideas were facing rejection
The Constitutional Convention began in 1787, but ratification was lengthy, and the new government did not begin until 1789
Washington became the first president and had to contend with changing views and new conspiracies
As the founding fathers aged, Classicism became outdated, though their principles continue on in the Declaration of Independence
Summary of the key insights
Selected critiques in brief
Final word
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First Principles — Book Summary Snapshot
Who should read First Principles book
- politicians
- anyone with an interest in U.S. history
About the author of First Principles
Thomas E. Ricks
Thomas E. Ricks is an American journalist whose columns on military history and national security have appeared in the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post, twice earning him the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting. His text Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq was a Pulitzer Prize finalist. Ricks has also served on the Center for New American Security.
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