The Story of Us – Patt Morrison and Ken Burns on Human Nature, Citizenship, and the Pursuit of Knowledge (Episode Summary)
The Following Is a Summary of Ken Burns’ Appearance on America at a Crossroads
Summary prepared by JUDJ team
In a recent America at a Crossroads conversation, acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns discussed the intimate and universal themes that have shaped both his work and the American story. Burns, whose documentaries have delved deep into subjects like the Civil War, jazz, and baseball, reflects not just on the grand narrative of the United States, but on the personal, human stories that bind us together. In this discussion, Burns emphasized the importance of understanding human nature, the dangers of “othering,” and the pursuit of knowledge as a path to a virtuous life.
The Personal and Universal Story of America
Burns’ storytelling philosophy centers on the idea that every national narrative is also a deeply personal story. He sees the history of the United States not as a distant, impersonal chronicle, but as a collection of individual experiences that, together, create the fabric of the nation.
“There’s only us, there’s no them,” Burns explained. For him, the American story is fundamentally about inclusion, about recognizing that we are all part of the same collective journey. This perspective has driven his work, which focuses on the shared experiences that define the country, from war and conflict to cultural milestones and human achievement.
By telling the story of us, Burns challenges the notion of division and insists on the importance of unity, especially in times of national strife. His message is clear: we must see ourselves as interconnected, rather than divided by arbitrary distinctions.
Human Nature and the Repeated Rhythms of History
Burns also reflected on the patterns that emerge throughout history, driven by the unchanging nature of human beings. He quoted Ecclesiastes: “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again. There’s nothing new under the sun.”
For Burns, history does not repeat itself exactly, but human nature shapes the recurring themes and challenges we face. Understanding these patterns can help us navigate contemporary issues with greater wisdom and foresight. He noted that while the current moment may feel unprecedented, it is not without historical parallels.
“Human nature doesn’t change,” Burns remarked, emphasizing that the same forces—ambition, greed, fear, and hope—that have driven people in the past continue to influence our actions today.
The Fragility of Democracy and the Need for Civic Virtue
At the heart of Burns’ message is the idea that democracy is fragile and requires the active participation of its citizens to survive. He warned against complacency, stressing that civic engagement and lifelong learning are essential to maintaining the freedoms and rights we enjoy.
“[The pursuit of happiness is lifelong learning in a marketplace of ideas],” Burns said, drawing attention to the importance of education and self-improvement in a democratic society. He emphasized that democracy is not just about voting—it’s about cultivating a sense of responsibility and virtue in each citizen.
Burns believes that part of living a virtuous life as a citizen involves questioning oneself and continually seeking knowledge. He pointed out that the Founders did not intend for the pursuit of happiness to be about material wealth, but about intellectual and moral growth. This pursuit, he argued, is essential for sustaining a healthy democracy.
The Dangers of Othering and the Call for Unity
One of the most powerful themes in Burns’ work is the danger of “othering”—the act of dividing people into “us” and “them.” He drew parallels between historical instances of othering, such as the Civil War and the rise of fascism in the 1930s, and the divisions we see in America today.
“We all know the consequences of othering, and no people on Earth know this better than the Jewish people,” Burns said, highlighting how separating people into categories of “us” versus “them” leads to oppression and violence.
Burns called for a renewed sense of unity, urging Americans to resist the forces that seek to divide the country. He stressed that the most dangerous movements in history have been fueled by the dehumanization of others, and that it is vital to recognize the humanity in every individual. For Burns, the story of America is one of inclusion and common purpose, not division.
The Lessons of Leonardo da Vinci: Curiosity and Human Potential
In addition to his reflections on American history, Burns spoke about his upcoming documentary on Leonardo da Vinci. Through this project, Burns hopes to explore da Vinci’s unparalleled curiosity and his boundless intellectual and creative potential.
“He is the most curious person on Earth… how many paintings does he have? Fewer than 20, but one of them is the most famous painting on Earth,” Burns explained.
Da Vinci’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and his ability to see the interconnectedness of art, science, and philosophy resonate deeply with Burns’ own approach to storytelling. By examining da Vinci’s life, Burns aims to remind us of the power of curiosity and the importance of understanding multiple disciplines in the search for truth and meaning.
Burns emphasized that da Vinci’s genius lay not only in his artistic skill but in his desire to understand everything about the world around him. “He had to know everything,” Burns said, pointing to da Vinci’s studies of anatomy, nature, and science as essential to his art.
A Call for Hope and Action
Despite the challenges facing America today, Burns remains hopeful about the future. He believes that the American people have the power to shape the country’s path forward, but only if they take action.
“Good people must do something… each of us can make an individual plan to do something,” Burns urged.
For Burns, the key to preserving democracy and ensuring a brighter future lies in the hands of ordinary citizens. Whether through voting, community involvement, or simply engaging in thoughtful conversations, each person has a role to play in shaping the future of the country.
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.