If You Can Keep It:
The Forgotten Promise of American Liberty
ERICA METAXAS
In If You Can Keep It, Eric Metaxas sets out to explain how the United States, at its founding, created a form of government that depended on everyday citizens actively choosing to protect and uphold their own freedom. The title comes from a story about Benjamin Franklin, who, upon leaving the Constitutional Convention, was asked what kind of government the delegates had formed. He famously replied, “A republic—if you can keep it,” suggesting that ordinary people, not just political leaders, have a responsibility in making sure that freedom and democracy last.
According to Metaxas, keeping a republic means having citizens who care about the common good, follow moral principles, and stay informed about important issues. The Founders thought that only a society built on virtue—doing what’s right and treating others fairly—could successfully govern itself. Metaxas also talks about how faith and religion played a key role for many of the early leaders, because they believed that moral behavior often came from a strong sense of personal responsibility, which could be inspired by religious teaching. However, the author stresses that no single religion is necessary to be a good citizen; rather, it’s the willingness to practice virtue and respect others that matters.
One of Metaxas’s main warnings is that if people become too focused on their own interests or forget the principles that formed the country—like equality, individual rights, and the rule of law—freedom itself can slowly slip away. The book presents examples from history, showing how American ideals have been tested. Metaxas believes that citizens should learn about these moments to see how everyday people made a difference, whether by standing up for what they believed in or by participating in their local communities.
In the end, If You Can Keep It is a call to action for modern Americans—especially young people—to learn about the nation’s founding ideals, carry them forward, and be active in civic life. By understanding our shared history and doing our best to uphold moral values, Metaxas argues, we can continue to enjoy the unique freedoms that define the United States.
If You Can Keep It: The Forgotten Promise of American Liberty
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