Pursuit of Happiness

We explore how citizens, neighbors, workers, families, and communities shape the future of American society.

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Gordon Wood's American Revolution

Widely acknowledged as the pre-eminent historian of the American Founding in our time, Wood was virtually without peer within academic American history today.

Steven Hayward
Pursuit of Happiness
Jun 11, 2026

Gordon Wood Told the Truth About America

Gordon Wood showed us that a great historian could also be a regular guy.

Wilfred McClay
Pursuit of Happiness
Jun 11, 2026

The Active Dead

Helprin’s refusal to flatter the tastes of our prize-encrusted literary establishment merits three cheers from thinking people on the right.

Lee Oser
Pursuit of Happiness
Jun 5, 2026

Harvey Mansfield, Radical

For many academics, students are mere tools to advance an agenda. Mansfield, however, is part of an older tradition that cares for their souls.

Michael Lucchese
Pursuit of Happiness
May 28, 2026

Arthur Brooks’ Pursuit of Happiness

'The Meaning of Your Life' centers on a simple question that extends far beyond the liberal/conservative divide. Why are some people happy, and others unhappy?

Arthur Herman
Pursuit of Happiness
May 27, 2026

Why Historians Have Abandoned the Presidency—And Why It Matters     

The embrace of new presidential history by historians will be a bellwether of their future fortunes in the civics-focused era in higher education and among the disoriented, yet information-hungry American public.

Pursuit of Happiness
May 25, 2026

'Pluribus' Is About More Than 'the Warmth of Collectivism'

In 'Pluribus,' Apple’s most-viewed drama, the integrity of the individual is the central theme.

Jonathan Miltimore
Pursuit of Happiness
May 8, 2026
Research
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Why Humans Aren’t Clever Chimps

Ronald W. Dworkin
Pursuit of Happiness
Apr 24, 2026

“Project Hail Mary’s” Success: A Story You Can Believe In

Titus Techera
Pursuit of Happiness
Apr 17, 2026

Is America Good Enough for Wendell Berry?

Brian Smith
Pursuit of Happiness
Apr 10, 2026

Rediscovering History as the Story of Liberty

Arthur Herman
Pursuit of Happiness
Apr 9, 2026

James Q. Wilson and the Crisis of Our Time

Titus Techera
Pursuit of Happiness
Apr 8, 2026

Welcome to the Manosphere

Tal Fortgang
Pursuit of Happiness
Apr 3, 2026
Podcasts
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Civitas Outlook
Gordon Wood Told the Truth About America

Gordon Wood showed us that a great historian could also be a regular guy.

Civitas Outlook
Gordon Wood's American Revolution

Widely acknowledged as the pre-eminent historian of the American Founding in our time, Wood was virtually without peer within academic American history today.

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Ideas for
Prosperity

Tomorrow’s leaders need better, bolder ideas about how to make our society freer and more prosperous. That’s why the Civitas Institute exists, plain and simple.
Discover more at Civitas