In The Ideas That Made America, Jennifer Ratner-Rosenhagen provides a compelling overview of the key philosophical and cultural ideas that have shaped the American experience from its inception to the present day. Through an engaging narrative, she examines the contributions of influential thinkers, movements, and ideologies that have defined the nation’s identity, including Enlightenment ideals, transcendentalism, pragmatism, and progressivism. This episode delves into how these ideas have influenced American democracy, culture, and society, highlighting the tensions and dialogues that have emerged over time. Join us as we unpack Ratner-Rosenhagen’s insights into the evolving landscape of American thought and consider how these ideas continue to resonate in today’s political and social discourse.