A New York City man spent a year living the Constitution and learned these 7 things.

A.J. Jacobs, a bestselling author and journalist, has discovered his passion in life by immersing himself in a topic for an extended period of time, resulting in a transformation of himself.

He finished his latest adventure in 2024, an election year, while reflecting on the lessons he learned and applying them.

He spent a year attempting to emulate the mindset of our Founding Fathers while adhering to the Constitution, as he shared in an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, coinciding with the release of his new book, "The Year of Living Constitutionally." (Watch the video at the top of this article, along with other videos.)

""The year was intriguing, with numerous lessons learned," he remarked."

I wrote most of my book with a quill pen. It changed the way I thought. So I was writing, and I didn't get the dings and chimes from the internet. I could actually focus.

He stated, "I believe it improved my thinking skills, making me more nuanced."

He shudders to think that if the Founding Fathers had written the Constitution on an iPhone, they would never have finished it due to the numerous distractions.

The New York City-based writer, a married father of three, recently published a book detailing his 18-month quest to become the smartest person in the world. "The Know-It-All" spent time on the New York Times bestseller list.

"If the Founding Fathers had written the Constitution on an iPhone, they would never have gotten it done. There are too many distractions."

He wrote books about getting healthier, building a family tree, and the intriguing world of puzzles.

Although he didn't anticipate it, the Constitution opened his eyes in unexpected ways, he stated.

In an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, 7 life hacks were shared, which are particularly relevant this year.

1. ‘Be more open-minded'

The Founders were skilled at changing their minds, he emphasized. It was patriotic to reevaluate the evidence and arrive at a different conclusion. This was not a sign of shame, but rather a mark of honor.

At the Constitutional Convention in Sept. 1787, Benjamin Franklin stated, "As I grow older, I become increasingly uncertain about my own beliefs."

"We often believe we're right about everything, but we're not. Therefore, let's strive for more open-mindedness," stated Jacobs.

James Madison, on his deathbed, made a strange face and told his niece that he had changed his mind.

"We all think we're right on everything and we're not."

The Father of the Constitution was open to changing his mind until his death, said Jacobs. We do not know what he changed his mind about, as it could have been the wallpaper or the bicameral legislature.

2. Remember 'We the People’

According to a study, 60% of Americans have not read the Constitution from start to finish. I realized that I was part of that 60%.

He stated that it was embarrassing because the Constitution has a significant impact on our daily lives and our nation. It is our founding document and is frequently featured in the news.

To truly comprehend the Constitution, I must not only read it but also immerse myself in it. I will adopt the mindset and tools of the Founding Fathers to understand the original meaning and its relevance today.

I visited the National Archives in Washington, D.C. to see the Constitution. It was awe-inspiring, like going to a cathedral.

"It was eerily dim, and there was a hushed silence," he remarked. "It felt almost like stepping into a sacred space, a religious artifact in a cathedral. And it's highly guarded."

"The government is by the people and for the people."

According to what I was informed, Nic Cage would not succeed in stealing any documents, as seen in the movie "National Treasure" released in 2004.

The Constitution is kept in a titanium case with argon gas to preserve it. Every night it is taken to an undisclosed location and returns the next morning.

"The most impressive aspect is that I conversed with the employees, the archivists, who stated that when individuals view the Constitution, it motivates them to participate. Regardless of whether it's on a small scale, such as joining the PTA, or on a larger scale, like running for state Congress, the objective is that this tangible document serves as an inspiration for us to remember."

He emphasized that the government exists to serve the people, as stated in 'We the People.' It serves as a tangible reminder of this principle.

3. Get involved in democracy

Jacobs stated that he learned a significant amount about American history, but he acknowledged that the process was not easy for him or his three children.

"I donned a tricorn hat while exploring New York City, and my kids remained at a distance of at least 50 feet from me. At restaurants, I would use a quill pen and ink to sign checks, which caused them great embarrassment."

"I told the security folks who searched our bags that they might be violating our Fourth Amendment rights to unreasonable search and seizure."

I informed the security personnel at Independence Hall in Philadelphia that their search of our bags may have violated our Fourth Amendment rights to unreasonable search and seizure. My children were too embarrassed to look at me.

"While they had some great moments, one of them joined a Revolutionary War reenactment group and participated in a battle."

Another son, he said, took part in an 18th century dinner party and made beef stew instead of turtle soup, which was my initial suggestion.

"Occasionally, the oldest would emerge and attempt to obtain signatures for petitions alongside me. We would venture to Times Square with my large roll of paper."

On the other hand, I think they became more aware of the way our government works and that you can get involved.

4. Know that voting ‘isn’t a chore'

Election Day was a celebration for those who could vote, unlike jury duty, which was annoying and a chore.

The day was filled with parades, music, and plenty of rum punch. While it wasn't quite like Coachella, it was a joyful occasion to celebrate our rights.

"Election cakes were baked by people, sometimes in large quantities. One recipe required fourteen pounds of sugar, and these cakes were brought to the polls to remind people of their right to vote and the importance of celebrating it."

I loved the concept of the election cake and decided to revive it. Although Facebook is not an 18th-century platform, it is one of the older ones, so I thought it was acceptable to use it.

"Last November, I managed to get hundreds of people from different political backgrounds to participate in an election-cake baking event. People brought their cakes to the polls or to work, and it was great because it brought a little bit of positivity to a very tense political period."

"The point is to celebrate this right that humans have not had for most of their history to choose their own leader."

He stated that there is evidence that increasing the festivity of elections will attract more voters, which he believed was a positive outcome.

"I am excited to repeat the "election cake project" this November, and I invite anyone interested to join me in baking a cake."

The purpose is to commemorate the privilege of voting, which has been denied to humans for the majority of their existence.

"So yes, let's bake cakes for America."

5. Cherish the 'freedom to choose our leaders’

According to Jacobs, his in-depth examination of the Constitution highlighted the significance of America's commitment to individual freedom and the importance of democracy.

"The Founding Fathers were deeply averse to monarchy, and I long to recapture that spirit of "we have no desire for monarchy" that they embodied. It's fascinating how our pop culture continues to perpetuate the idea of royalty through Disney princesses."

"Let's create a Disney republic instead of a Disney kingdom, and abandon the idea of Disney princesses."

He stated, "We don't have to bow to a king, we can choose our own leaders, which is what America stands for."

6. Help others; reach out to neighbors

"Another key concept from the founding era was the notion of virtue, which encompassed self-sacrifice and prioritizing the greater good over personal desires."

The Founders may have had an implied "Bill of Responsibilities" to remind us of our duties, as they believed we might forget them if they didn't write it down.

In the past, it was assumed that you would be a member of the firefighting team and assist in putting out fires. You would also help individuals construct their homes and support your neighbors.

"Another mindset that needs reviving is that one."

7. Be grateful for what we have

"I was glad to go back to certain aspects of contemporary living," stated Jacobs.

During his year of living constitutionally, he went to the dermatologist to get a mole removed.

"I asked the dermatologist to remove the [what I'm doing] without anesthesia because I am committed to it."

"She declined for liability reasons, which I am happy with because I enjoy anesthesia. I am a fan of anesthesia."

Brittany Kasko of Planet Chronicle Digital contributed reporting.