# Book Forum: The Pursuit of Happiness **URL:** **By** Jonathan Fortier, Jeffrey Rosen, Michael Poliakoff **Published:** May 30, 2024 --- The founders studied classical authorities and incorporated the lessons they learned about forming good characters into their lives. What did the Founders mean by “Happiness”? And how, exactly, was it to be pursued? In his new book, [_The Pursuit of Happiness_](https://www.libertarianism.org/articles/about-jeffrey-rosens-pursuit-happiness), Jeffrey Rosen examines the many ways that key figures of the American Founding turned to ancient Greek and Roman philosophers as guides toward a better understanding of happiness and the good life. On May 30th, 2024, Jonathan Fortier, director of Lib​er​tar​i​an​ism​.org, joined Rosen and Michael Poliakoff, president of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, for a discussion of the book.