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Time Magazine
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Time Magazine
America's Founders Valued Higher Education
Political attacks on higher education are escalating as we approach next year's 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Members of the Trump Administration, state legislatures, and think tanks like the Heritage Foundation call universities 'the enemy' to justify severe funding cuts, censorship, and restrictions on academic freedom. Yet, higher education has shaped the American experiment from the beginning. Enlightenment ideas studied in 18th-century universities provided the rationale for independence from Great Britain in 1776. Founders of the republic viewed higher learning as essential to its success. Indeed, Thomas Jefferson used ideas learned during his own college education to write the Declaration of Independence and establish one of the most consequential political doctrines in modern history: all people are created equal and possess inherent rights to a government based on their consent. Jefferson studied at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, from 1760 to 1762 under his primary mentor, Dr. William Small, professor of natural philosophy. Small introduced students from the privileged social classes who attended William and Mary to Enlightenment thought. He taught students like Jefferson intellectually revolutionary theories of empirical science, natural rights, and popular government. Small's influence over Jefferson was extensive. His teachings, Jefferson said, 'probably fixed the destinies of my life' and provided 'my first views of the expansion of science and of the system of things in which we are placed.' References to 'the system of things' as Jefferson understood it dominate early passages of the Declaration. Jefferson rooted the Declaration in natural philosophy, or the philosophical study of nature and the physical universe without consideration of supernatural causes. This was Small's specialty and the language of this academic orientation—such as 'course of human events,' 'powers of the earth,' and 'Laws of Nature'—suffuses the document. Read More: College Presidents Are Right to Defy Trump's War on Higher Education Members of the Continental Congress of 1776 substantially revised Jefferson's original draft. Some of these revisions indicate that members of congress, not only Jefferson, wanted the Declaration to reflect advanced education of the time. Benjamin Franklin made a momentous revision in this respect: he changed Jefferson's original statement 'We hold these truths to be sacred and undeniable' to 'We hold these truths to be self-evident.' The word "sacred," Franklin observed, suggested that those truths were matters of religious faith. The term "self-evident" invoked Isaac Newton. In the language of Newtonian science, a 'self-evident' truth needs no supernatural explanation. It is purely rational, empirically observable. Like Newton's laws of the physical world, the final version of the Declaration posits a natural law of the political world: people will always seek new forms of government to protect their rights. This decision to ground authority in reason, science, and secular humanism was profound at a time when European monarchs claimed that God had appointed them to the throne. In 1610, James I of England had declared that kings were 'God's lieutenants upon earth' and 'even by God himself, they are called gods.' By the 18th century, French monarchs professed to be deities on earth with 'absolute' power. Although the Declaration mentioned that people 'are endowed by their Creator' with 'unalienable Rights,' such statements vastly diminished the role of God as a source of rights and government compared to standard proclamations from European monarchs of the day. Jefferson's words implied that people are free to believe that a 'Creator' of their chosen faith is the source of their rights. The Declaration thus subtly rejected any official state religion as an element of American independence. The phrase 'Nature's God' was even more pointed in the Declaration. It classified 'God' as a passive possession of 'Nature.' The true agent of political events, in this formulation, is nature. The sole reference to God in the Declaration emphasizes empiricism over religiosity. Notably, Small was the only non-clergy member of the William and Mary faculty when he mentored Jefferson. The Declaration's references to John Locke's political treatises, which Small also taught to Jefferson and other students at William and Mary, further underscored its rejection of supernatural authority. Jefferson declared rights of 'Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness' by imitating Locke's argument that all men possess a right to 'life, liberty, and estate [or property].' In 1689, Locke examined natural rights in the second treatise of Two Treatises on Government, but his first treatise established the full meaning of those rights. Throughout that first treatise, Locke excoriated the divine right of kings. For him, rights of 'life, liberty, and property' were incompatible with a divine right to rule. When Jefferson extended those rights beyond property-holders, replacing 'estate' with the 'pursuit of Happiness,' he invited a much larger portion of humanity to reject supernatural justifications for government. That invitation reflected the philosophy that inspired him in college. In other words, the meaning of the Declaration of Independence depends on Enlightenment ideas that university-educated classes in general, and Jefferson in particular, enthusiastically studied. After the country's founding, many framers of the new republic advocated for institutions of higher learning to educate citizens in their rights and responsibilities. Doing so, they argued, would promote equality over aristocracy, knowledge over religious superstition, and self-determination over servitude. Read More: The Complicated History of Government Influence Over Universities Jefferson was immensely proud of his role in founding the University of Virginia—a publicly funded institution established to educate 'the mass of citizens' in everything they needed for their individual wellbeing and responsible civic participation. Franklin did not attend college formally but he was instrumental in founding the College of Philadelphia, which later became the University of Pennsylvania. Throughout his life, Franklin advocated educational opportunities for working classes as well as the upper class. As president, Washington proposed a publicly funded 'national university' for the general diffusion of knowledge to promote unity in the new republic. These are only a few examples of the deep ties between higher education and the founding generation; approximately half of them attained some form of it—an impressively high level of advanced learning for the time. Like the political ideals of Jefferson and other founders, however, the ideal of higher education remained out of reach for many Americans. He and many signers of the Declaration deemed Black people especially incapable of advanced study. For much of its existence, U.S. higher education has been badly segregated by race, class, sex and gender, religion, and more. The personal prejudices of founders like Jefferson, however, do not diminish the power of the ideals that they forged from university study. Free Black people and enslaved Africans in the late 18th century recognized that the revolution was unfinished without equal access to civic institutions, particularly those of higher education. From the Jim Crow era to modern struggles for civil rights, historically disenfranchised communities (people of color, women, LGBTQ Americans, and more) have cited the Declaration in their petitions for desegregated higher education. Universities have always been integral to American independence, from Jefferson's words to later generations of Americans who pursued the full implications of those words. Defending institutions of higher education from increasingly authoritarian measures is an important way to safeguard not only academic freedom, but the legacy of 1776 as well. Bradford Vivian is Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences at Penn State and author of Campus Misinformation: The Real Threat to Free Speech in American Higher Education (Oxford University Press). Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians. Learn more about Made by History at TIME here. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors.
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Travel + Leisure
16-06-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This Virginia City Was Just Named the Most Underrated Travel Gem in the U.S.
Luxury vacation rental service Wander recently conducted a study to determine the most underrated travel destinations in the U.S. By analyzing data from Google, Numbeo, Tripadvisor, and Instagram, Wander ranked often overlooked U.S. destinations that travelers can experience without the crowds. According to the report, Williamsburg, Virginia, came out on top, earning an impressive score of 9.29 out of 10. Williamsburg might not be at the top of most people's vacation wish lists, but it should be. With dozens of historical and cultural attractions in a compact city center, it's the kind of place where travelers can quickly dive into the city's roots and discover something new around every corner. As one of Virginia's historic capitals, Williamsburg is part of the state's famed Historic Triangle, along with Jamestown and Yorktown. The city has played a key role in shaping American history, including the Civil War Battle of Williamsburg. It's also home to the College of William & Mary, the second-oldest university in the country. While the city is most known for Colonial Williamsburg—the world's largest living history museum, spanning 300 acres—Williamsburg has far more to offer beyond its 18th-century roots. Explore the newly renovated Muscarelle Museum of Art, which houses nearly 8,000 artworks and compelling exhibits. This includes Haiti to Harlem: Toussaint L'Ouverture & Jacob Lawrence , which is on display through Jan. 4, 2026. Stroll through the Williamsburg Botanical Garden in Freedom Park, or paddle down the James River at sunset. Foodies will appreciate Williamsburg's culinary scene, which includes historic spots like King's Arms Tavern, contemporary establishments like the AAA Four Diamond-rated Fat Canary, and quirky spots like Food for Thought. Sip a flight of meads on tap or by the bottle at Silver Hand Meadery, or enjoy barrel-aged beers and craft lagers at Virginia Beer Co. For some lighthearted fun, head to Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Set across nearly 400 acres of landscaped grounds, the park has been named 'The World's Most Beautiful Theme Park' by the National Amusement Park Historical Association. Rounding out the top five underrated U.S. spots are two destinations in Montana—Bozeman and Missoula—followed by Fairbanks, Alaska, and Charlottesville, Virginia. To learn more about the methodology, visit
New York Times
29-05-2025
- General
- New York Times
Harrison Ruffin Tyler, Grandson of the 10th President, Is Dead at 96
Harrison Ruffin Tyler, the last surviving grandson of John Tyler, the 10th president of the United States, who was born just after George Washington became president 236 years ago and who served in the White House from 1841 to 1845, died on Sunday at his home in Richmond, Va. He was 96. His death was confirmed by Annique Dunning, the executive director of Sherwood Forest Plantation, a private foundation established by the Tyler family. Mr. Tyler suffered a series of small strokes starting in 2012 and was later diagnosed with dementia. In recent years, his son William Bouknight Tyler oversaw the James River plantation that had been his family's ancestral home. Mr. Tyler, a retired businessman, and his older brother, Lyon Gardiner Tyler Jr., who died at age 95 in 2020, were sons of Lyon Gardiner Tyler Sr. (1853-1935), a longtime president of the College of William & Mary. Their grandfather was the U.S. president who pushed for the annexation of Texas as American expansion moved west, but he is perhaps best known for the Whig Party's memorable 1840 presidential campaign slogan, 'Tippecanoe and Tyler Too.' In a remarkable instance of successive longevities and late-in-life paternities, the Tyler family produced a genealogical marvel, if not a singularity: three generations that spanned nearly the entire history of the American experience. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Newsweek
28-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Vegetarians May Be Less Benevolent Than Meat Eaters, Study Claims
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new study suggests that people who follow a vegetarian diet may place less importance on certain social values—like caring for close others and conforming to societal norms—than those who regularly eat meat. In his paper, published in the journal PLOS ONE, psychologist professor John Nezlek of the College of William and Mary in Virginia conducted a meta-analysis of three past studies from both the United States and Poland to assess how core human values differ between vegetarians and non-vegetarians. "The present results suggest that vegetarians hold values consistent with being members of a social minority who are willing to stand by their principles," he wrote. A stock image showing a vegetarian salad. A stock image showing a vegetarian salad. VeselovaElena/iStock / Getty Images Plus What The Study Did Nezlek analyzed three past studies involving adult subjects: one in the U.S., where vegetarians were oversampled (514 vegetarians vs. 540 non-vegetarians); and two in Poland (68 vegetarians and 1,943 non-vegetarians). Their responses were valued against Schwartz's Portrait Value Questionnaire that measures ten "basic human values," such as Benevolence (looking after friends and family), Security (seeking safety and stability), and Self-direction (valuing independence). Participants in the U.S. study completed the 57-item Portrait Values Questionnaire–Revised (PVQ-RR) to assess Schwartz's model of basic human values, while respondents in both Polish samples completed the shorter, 21-item PVQ. In each version, participants compare themselves to a gender-specific "person" described in terms of various aspirations and goals—for example: "Thinking up new ideas and being creative is important to her; she likes to do things her own original way," or "Being very successful is important to him; he likes to impress other people." These gendered formulations are intended to strengthen respondents' ability to relate to the comparison figure. Across all studies, participants rated each item on the standard six-point scale: 1 = not like me at all, 2 = not like me, 3 = a little like me, 4 = moderately like me, 5 = like me and 6 = very much like me. Key Findings Lower benevolence : Across all three samples, vegetarians rated benevolence (concern for those close to you) significantly lower than meat eaters did. This suggests vegetarians, on average, place less emphasis on nurturing personal relationships than non-vegetarians . : Across all three samples, vegetarians rated benevolence (concern for those close to you) significantly lower than meat eaters did. This suggests vegetarians, on average, place less emphasis on nurturing personal relationships than non-vegetarians . Reduced security and conformity : Vegetarians also scored lower on security (valuing safety and harmony) and conformity (following social norms). : Vegetarians also scored lower on security (valuing safety and harmony) and conformity (following social norms). Higher stimulation, achievement, and power: those who avoid meat rated values like stimulation (seeking excitement), achievement (personal success), and power (control over resources) higher than meat eaters. Why Does This Matter? These findings challenge the common perception that vegetarians are uniformly more "benevolent" or community-oriented. Instead, the data indicates that adopting a vegetarian diet may reflect a broader willingness to break from tradition and assert personal independence—perhaps even to seek power or achievement in non-traditional ways. However, study focused on two Western countries; whether these patterns hold in other continents remains unknown. Nezlek argues that choosing a minority diet is a deliberate act of individualism. "The present results suggest that although vegetarians may be more sensitive to the pain and suffering of animals and may be more aware of threats to the environment than non-vegetarians, this sensitivity and awareness do not reflect basic human value of benevolence," he explained. Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about vegetarianism? Let us know via science@ Reference Nezlek, J. B. (2025). Rethinking vegetarianism: Differences between vegetarians and non-vegetarians in the endorsement of basic human values. PLOS ONE, 20(5).
Chicago Tribune
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Today in History: D.W. Griffith's ‘The Birth of a Nation' premieres
Today is Saturday, Feb. 8, the 39th day of 2025. There are 326 days left in the year. Today in history: On Feb. 8, 1915, D.W. Griffith's controversial epic film 'The Birth of a Nation' premiered in Los Angeles. Also on this date: In 1587, Mary, Queen of Scots was beheaded at Fotheringhay Castle in England after she was implicated in a plot to murder her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I. In 1693, a charter was granted for the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg in the Virginia Colony. In 1904, Japan launched a surprise attack on the Russian Navy at Port Arthur (now Dalian, China), marking the beginning of the Russo-Japanese War. In 1910, the Boy Scouts of America was incorporated by William D. Boyce. In 1924, the first execution by gas in the United States took place at the Nevada State Prison in Carson City as Gee Jon, a Chinese immigrant convicted of murder, was put to death. In 1936, the first NFL draft was held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Philadelphia. In 1960, work began on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located on Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Los Angeles. In 1968, three Black students were killed and 28 wounded as state troopers opened fire on student demonstrators on the campus of South Carolina State College in Orangeburg in the wake of protests over a whites-only bowling alley. The event would become known as the Orangeburg Massacre. In 1971, NASDAQ, the world's first electronic stock exchange, held its first trading day. Today's birthdays: Composer-conductor John Williams is 93. Broadcast journalist Ted Koppel is 85. Actor Nick Nolte is 84. Comedian Robert Klein is 83. Actor-rock musician Creed Bratton is 82. Actor Mary Steenburgen is 72. Author John Grisham is 70. Hockey Hall of Famer Dino Ciccarelli is 65. Rock singer Vince Neil (Mötley Crüe) is 64. Basketball Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning is 55. Actor Seth Green is 51. Actor William Jackson Harper is 45. Actor-comedian Cecily Strong is 41. Hip-hop artist Anderson .Paak is 39. Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton is 35.
