From JMC President, Hans Zeiger

It isn’t just politicians and professors who should take the Declaration of Independence seriously. After all, our founders weren’t just statesmen or philosophers; they were engineers, farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists, and artists. The staying power of the Declaration’s ideas comes from their ability to resonate far beyond the halls of government. Its final words remind us what is at stake: “We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

In this issue of Civics Magazine, we turn to today’s professionals and exemplary citizens to make a new case for civic education—one grounded in experience, not just theory. These conversations are just the beginning. They will continue at the 2026 National Summit for Civic Education in Philadelphia on May 18–19. We hope you’ll join us.

And more…

Podcast: Old School with Shilo Brooks

Fewer of us than ever are reading books for pleasure. JMC scholar Shilo Brooks is on a mission to change that. The Jack Miller Center is proud to support Old School—a new podcast from The Free Press about great books and how reading them can make us stronger, better men. The show features intimate conversations with fascinating men—from fitness gurus to philosophers—about the books that shaped their lives. New episodes are out every Thursday!