Dennis C (Dennis Carl) Rasmussen Book order (chronological)

The story of how George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson came to despair for the nation they created reveals a surprising truth: the founders were far less confident in their work than we often believe. By the end of their lives, many, including Washington, Hamilton, Adams, and Jefferson, viewed America’s constitutional experiment as a failure unlikely to endure beyond their generation. This book uncovers the founders’ disillusionment, highlighting their varied concerns. Washington lost faith due to rising partisanship, Hamilton felt the federal government was too weak, Adams believed the populace lacked civic virtue, and Jefferson was troubled by sectional divisions exacerbated by slavery. In contrast, James Madison remained optimistic about America’s constitutional order, and the narrative explores why he held onto hope while others did not. As contemporary Americans grapple with fears about their country's future, it is essential to recognize that the founders faced even greater challenges and doubts. This vividly written account sheds light on a neglected chapter of American history, offering a fresh perspective on the founding, the Constitution, and the United States itself.

The story of the greatest philosophical friendship and its impact on modern thought unfolds through the lives of David Hume and Adam Smith. Hume, often considered the most significant English philosopher, faced severe criticism during his lifetime for his skeptical religious views, earning the label of "the Great Infidel." In contrast, Smith was a respected moral philosophy professor and is now regarded as the father of capitalism. Despite their differing public personas, the two maintained a deep friendship throughout their adult lives, which significantly influenced their groundbreaking ideas. This account chronicles their relationship from their first meeting in 1749 until Hume's death in 1776, highlighting how they critiqued each other's works, supported their careers, and offered personal advice, especially after Hume's dispute with Jean-Jacques Rousseau. As prominent figures in Enlightenment Scotland, they shared many friends and interests, extending beyond philosophy and economics into psychology, history, and politics, including Britain's conflict with the American colonies. The narrative reveals that Smith's private religious beliefs were more aligned with Hume's than commonly thought and illustrates that Hume's contributions to economics and Smith's to philosophy are often underestimated. This vivid account captures a remarkable friendship that profoundly shaped modern thought.