Happiness and Misery in America

Happiness has been central to America’s self-conception since the Declaration of Independence — but nearly 250 years on, the promise of American happiness feels murky.

One week before the election, let’s dig into the existential questions beneath the news cycle: Are we happy? If not, why not? What’s the history of America’s conception of happiness and where are we now?

The Aspen Institute’s Philosophy and Society Initiative invites you to a conversation and Wisdom of Crowds live taping hosted by Dr. Samuel Kimbriel (Director of the Aspen Philosophy and Society Initiative) with Dr. Joshua Mitchell (Georgetown University Professor of Political Theory) and Osita Nwanevu (Contributing Editor at The New Republic) to think about the promise of American happiness and its future.

Join us for free drinks and tapas on Monday, October 28 at Barcelona Wine Bar. Doors open at 6:15; discussion at 7pm.

In America I saw the freest and most enlightened men placed in the happiest condition that exists in the world; it seemed to me that a sort of cloud habitually covered their features; they appeared to me grave and almost sad even in their pleasures. - Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America

Host or Publisher Philosophy & Society Initiative - The Aspen Institute