Where in the World is Cincinnatus ?
Where is Cincinnatus? No, we are not talking about that lovely city in Ohio (sometimes affectionately known as Cincy, The 'Nati, The Queen City, or The City of Seven Hills among others) – Cincinnati, Ohio. We are talking about the Roman farmer Cincinnatus.
According to the story, in the year 400 B.C. Rome was in great danger. An army from the east was burning and plundering the countryside. The enemy surrounded the defending Roman army on all sides. The leaders of the government of Rome decided to ask Cincinnatus, a skilled military leader, to help them during this crisis. The government leaders sent messengers asking Cincinnatus to serve as dictator of the country for as long as the crisis might last. Cincinnatus was a hard-working farmer. When the messengers found him, he was quietly plowing the fields. Because he loved his country, he left his fields to go to Rome to lead the army. His army defeated the enemy and saved the country. In gratitude the people of Rome praised and honored Cincinnatus. But when the crisis was over, Cincinnatus did not try to remain as dictator of his country. He did not want continued power. Instead, he returned to his home and his life as a farmer and citizen.
Because of his actions, Cincinnatus demonstrated that he valued being a good citizen of Rome rather than seeking fame and personal power. He did not want to use his popularity for personal gain but rather chose to serve Rome as a private citizen.
If we fast forward to a little over two thousand years, we encounter another man who exemplified the same civic spirit as Cincinnatus. This man rose to prominence during the American Revolutionary War. After hostilities ceased and the former colonies had won their independence from Great Britain and a new constitution was established, the need for a president of the United States was evident. George Washington, the former military commander, and public figure was the perfect candidate. After much coercion he reluctantly accepted. For the next eight years, Washington served tirelessly as the first president of the United States. Then, in an unprecedented move at a time when political leaders usually served for life, Washington retired.
What both men demonstrated was the quality of civic virtue. Most political scientists agree on a similar variation of this definition of civic virtue:
Cincinnatus agreed to serve Rome as a military leader even though he desired to remain on his farm. George Washington agreed to become President of the newly formed United States even though he preferred to return to his home as a private citizen. The acknowledged needs of the country outweighed their personal preferences. Both men accepted tremendous sacrifices in order to serve their countries. However, we have to ask, do all citizens have to sacrifice to that extreme degree in order to demonstrate civic virtue?
In a Constitution Daily blog entry entitled Civic Virtue, and Why It Matters (February 20, 2020 by Jackie McDermott) McDermott cites Adam White of the American Enterprise Institute.
White also cited Benjamin Franklin’s 13 virtues: temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility. Franklin laid out these virtues in his autobiography, which he started writing in 1771, and recommended that readers try to master one virtue at a time in pursuit of becoming a better American.
While some of the virtues cited by Franklin seem foreign or old fashioned to 2022 sensibilities, one has not only endured the test of time but has actually been pushed to the forefront of today’s civic conversations – justice. It appears on most lists of desired civic virtue attributes.
There are many excellent classroom lessons posted on various civic education websites. Here are a few:
In the lesson the students are asked to explore these virtues.
- Justice
- Self-Governance/Moderation
- Humility
- Responsibility/Prudence
- Perseverance
- Courage
- Respect
- Contribution
- Integrity
It is interesting to note that there is overlap with the virtues cited in Benjamin Franklin’s writings and the list of virtues listed in this lesson. The lesson helps students to define civic virtue, has them read primary source documents, and requires them to identify individuals who have exhibited civic virtue. The lesson is appropriate for grades 9-12.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
In this lesson:
- Students will analyze Washington related primary source documents, including the Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior, Washington’s First Inaugural Address, April 30, 1789 and Washington’s Farewell Address, 1796.
- Students will examine the concept of civic virtues as written and exemplified by George Washington, and how civic virtues foster democracy.
- Students will discuss how the relationship between citizens and civic virtue helps to preserve a strong democracy.
This lesson is appropriate for middle school students.
The Center for Civic Education
The Center for Civic Education is a treasure trove of resources for teaching Civics. While there are no specific lesson plans addressing civic virtue posted at this website there are numerous mini-podcasts called 60-Second Civics. These podcasts explore various civic topics including civic virtue. While the title is 60-Second Civics, most are a little longer. However, all are informative and interesting. They are geared for students in middle and high school classes, but they could also be used in many upper elementary school classes.
We opened this blog by asking, “Where is Cincinnatus?” Where are the George Washingtons who are willing to sacrifice their self-interests for the common good? We suspect that there are thousands of them in every community throughout the country. We don’t hear about them because what they do isn’t sensational. What they do is the ordinary that keeps this country strong. One of our goals as civic educators should be to celebrate those Washingtons and encourage many more join the rank of civic virtue warriors.