Based on my forthcoming book, Born of Ideas: How Principles, Faith, and Courage Forged America (available for pre-order at https://tinyurl.com/5hbpujuj), this lecture was delivered at my alma mater, Grove City College, on April 16, 2026.

From the Amazon description: In a world where revolutions often replace one form of tyranny with another, the American Revolution stands apart. Why? In Born of Ideas, Lawrence W. Reed reveals that America’s founding was not merely the result of war, but of a profound transformation in thought―an extraordinary revolution of ideas rooted in liberty, personal responsibility, faith, and moral courage. Through engaging, accessible essays, Reed introduces readers to both well-known figures and unsung heroes whose convictions shaped a nation. From the Mayflower Compact to the struggles of the Revolutionary era, each chapter illuminates the principles that made America unique―and that remain essential today. Order here: https://tinyurl.com/3vwxznxz

Your teachers and professors undoubtedly taught you “something,” true or not, about the so-called robber barons. Did they ever mention this one?

Christianity not only survived the evil Diocletianic Persecution, it emerged stronger than ever, underscoring the prophecy of the early Christian author Tertullian that “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.”

Empires come, empires go. It’s a law of history.

What does it mean to have a “spiritual foundation”? Can we think of it as completely independent of any notion of an intelligent Creator?

We are smothered in jaw-dropping marvels without ever noticing how inscrutable they are.

Ronald Reagan once observed, “Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.” Franklin Roosevelt personified that truth.

The patriots who gave us the Declaration of Independence, who shed blood and tears to create a new and free nation, were the progeny of the Great Awakening and its broader, political and philosophical ally, the Enlightenment.

The line between sanity and mental illness is not stark and defined. It is blurry, so it’s not easy to tell when someone has crossed it.

As long as it was, it was largely boring and forgettable.

A proposal from more than a decade ago that fortunately went nowhere.

Drawing on economics, history, and everyday examples, this essay traces the vast web of knowledge, skills, incentives, and price signals that make the smartphone possible. From rare earth minerals mined across continents to cutting-edge design, testing, manufacturing, and distribution, I, Smartphone shows how billions of independent decisions—made without central direction—come together through the miracle of the free market.

This interview, aside from addressing the question, “Was Jesus a Socialist?” also touches on events in Poland, Argentina, and Brazil. Published by “Speak Freely” on March 19, 2026.

One of the 20th Century’s giants of both music and freedom.

Margaret Thatcher famously said once, “If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman.” That was certainly the case in the ancient story of the great Israelite leader, Deborah.

Most historians would be hard pressed to identify another generation anywhere who did more to liberate and enlighten humanity.

From January 1 until July 4, 1776, the world spoke of America as 13 colonies in open rebellion against Great Britain. From July 4 onward, we were called the United States of America. To pre-order Born of Ideas, click here: https://tinyurl.com/7hebjdhf.

Only socialists can look at Poland and Venezuela and arrive at the wrong conclusion. For everybody else, which system works and which does not is as certain as where the sun rises and where it sets. Spanish version: https://tinyurl.com/yt44u7px.

Most Native Americans were not bystanders as patriots fought British soldiers and Hessian mercenaries.