The Founding Fathers emphasized the importance of health, happiness, and helping others in creating a free and responsible society.

Ben Franklin, in his "Poor Richard's Almanac," is well-known for stating that "Early to bed and early to rise" leads to a man's health, wealth, and wisdom.

What was Ben Franklin's morning routine when he woke up early?

In his autobiography, Ben Franklin revealed that he began each day by asking himself, "What good shall I do today?" (Watch the video at the top of this article.)

I love Ben Franklin’s ritual.

Throughout much of my adult years, my typical morning musings revolved around negative thoughts such as, "What bothersome chores do I need to tackle today?" and "What dreadful events will I learn about when I turn on my computer?"

I strive to follow Ben Franklin's advice and ask myself, "What positive impact can I make today?"

Over my desk now hangs a reminder, written on a piece of paper.

The new book, "The Year of Living Constitutionally," is a result of the year I spent trying to emulate the lifestyle of the Founding Fathers.

"The Founders’ idea of virtue meant public-mindedness. A virtuous person puts the interests of others before their own interests."

The Founders' morning routine suggests their fixation on the concept of virtue.

The term "virtue" is somewhat outdated and can come across as cheesy.

The phrase "virtue signaling" is not a compliment, as the word "most often" is used in it.

The act of boastfully displaying one's moral superiority, such as loudly inquiring about the living conditions of the bees that produced the honey for their oatmeal, is known as "virtue signaling."

In the Founders' time, the term "virtue" was not associated with ambiguity.

The Founders highly valued virtue, as evidenced by the fact that they used the term over 6,000 times in their writings from the Revolutionary era, according to Thomas E. Ricks in his book "First Principles."

That’s more often than the word "freedom."

"I almost wish the Constitution had a Bill of Responsibilities."

The Founders envisioned virtue as prioritizing the well-being of others over one's own. A virtuous individual concentrates on the two crucial phrases in the Constitution's preamble: "General Welfare."

I believe it's time for a revival of virtues. I could certainly benefit from more of them.

While I appreciate the emphasis on individual rights in my country, I must remember that rights also come with responsibilities.

I almost wish the Constitution had a Bill of Responsibilities.

In the 18th century, the concept of public responsibility was deeply ingrained, and individuals were expected to put the needs of their community above their own.

If there was a fire, you were expected to be part of the bucket brigade, helping to save your neighbor's house. If you were a woman, you were expected to be a part of your local militia.

"If I’m depressed, I find the best thing to do is to help others. It gets me out of my head."

We drafted a family Constitution that encompassed a Bill of Rights and a Bill of Responsibilities.

It’s not about being saintly.

Happiness was not opposed by service; rather, it was an integral part of it.

According to Jeffrey Rosen, president of the National Constitution Center, "Happiness wasn't about feeling good. It was about doing good."

When I'm feeling down, helping others helps me take my mind off my problems.

The paper on my desk acts as a guiding principle and keeps my inner Larry David in check.

When I become upset over something trivial, such as my Instagram post not receiving enough likes, I can examine the phrase to gain perspective.

It reminds me of the big picture.

A.J. Jacobs' book "The Year of Living Constitutionally" (2024), which explores the original meaning of the Constitution, is published by Crown.