The Forgotten Founder

Ever heard of John Witherspoon? I’m ashamed to say I hadn’t until I read this fascinating piece on the New Criterion site. He was certainly a key part of early American history, not least for being James Madison’s mentor. Just goes to show how having the wrong building burn down can plunge one into obscurity.

I like this bit of advice, certainly heeded by Madison:

“Ne’er do ye speak unless ye ha’ something to say, and when ye are done, be sure and leave off.”