Even Henry David Thoreau went shopping. A lot of cooperation went into creating his story of rugged individualism.

[NOTE: Apparently, the term "Super Bowl" is trademarked by the NFL. This episode uses the term for non-commercial purposes. Specifically, the term is used in the context of civics and economics, for criticism, comment, and teaching purposes. But if they get mad about it and let me know, I'll change it to the "Superb Owl" or something.]

The earliest versions of the social contract were about groups joining together to take down bullies.

Mr. Rogers was not in the military, let alone the special forces. But the rumor says a lot about us.

"He had to restrain himself and keep silent because he did not have the right to degrade an idea by setting it forth himself." - Dostoevsky, The Idiot

"Dostoevsky, a female stoevsky." - Mr. D.

A successful democracy in any of its forms requires at least four things from citizens:

1. Good faith
2. Education
3. Empathy
4. Participation

This episode begins the exploration of good faith.

John Cage was known for challenging conventional rules and ideas. Fixing America requires us to challenge conventional ideas of civics and government.

There is no shortcut to freedom and prosperity.

All of human knowledge is being interpreted for you, or by you. This includes our understanding of government and civics.

The word "aristocracy" gets a bad rap. But in the ancient world, it meant something different.

Most theories of the social contract boil down to two categories: victims and investors.