Edward Coles: The hero we need this Independence Day

What a forgotten hero to American history can teach us about how to navigate our current divisions—and The Soul of Civility e-book on sale 80% off!

Gracious reader,

To my American readers, Happy Independence Day! This Fourth of July, I’d like to share a story about a forgotten figure from American history whose example holds valuable lessons for us today. His name is Edward Coles.

Watercolor portrait miniature of Edward Coles by John Henry Brown, 1852. Winterthur (Museum Collection).

It’s no secret that we live in a divided time. As Americans commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, some feel conflicted about how to celebrate when our country’s history itself has become a source of deep division. Many wonder: Should we be proud to be American, even with so much injustice in our past?

Despite our history's complexities, there is much to be thankful for, inspired by, and learned from in America’s past. Consider Edward Coles, a hero of civility whom I discuss in my book, The Soul of Civility (which Amazon is graciously offering for only $2.99 this month!).

Edward Coles: An Unsung Hero of American History

Edward Coles isn’t a well-known figure, but he should be. A contemporary of Thomas Jefferson, Coles also believed in basic human equality. Unlike Jefferson, however, he made personal sacrifices to live out the ideal of equal moral worth: Coles freed his slaves as soon as he inherited them. Coles demonstrates how the disposition of civility has been a tool for pursuing justice and equality and how it can help us do so now. He shows us that disobeying prevailing norms—those that require silence in the face of injustice—is a duty of civility integral to promoting justice in our world.

Born into a wealthy Virginia family, Coles was a generation behind the founding fathers. He was a young neighbor to Jefferson and a political aide to President James Madison. In 1807, at the age of twenty-one, Coles became convinced that slavery was morally wrong and detrimental to the republic. He decided to act. After his father died, Coles inherited his family’s estate, which included nineteen slaves. He put his farm up for sale, freed his slaves, and immediately left Virginia for Illinois, a non-slaveholding territory. There, he ran for governor on an abolitionist platform and won, serving from 1822 to 1826.

In 1814, while an aide to President Madison, Coles wrote Jefferson a pointed letter. How, Coles asked, could Jefferson claim to believe in the fundamental equality of all persons while simultaneously owning slaves?

Coles was terrified. He was addressing a former US president, one of the world's most powerful and influential men, and a veritable genius. Jefferson was the “Architect of American Liberty,” someone who had done a tremendous amount of good for the cause of human equality. Coles was calling him a hypocrite. He knew this could cost him his job and any future in American politics. But he boldly questioned Jefferson anyway, pleading with him to emancipate his slaves and join the abolitionist cause.

Surprisingly, Jefferson responded. He didn’t have to. Coles's letter was not public; ignoring it would have been easier. But Jefferson wrote back, acknowledging Coles’s concerns. He agreed that justice was on the side of the abolitionists and lamented that slavery still existed. However, he evaded any acknowledgment of wrongdoing or commitment to action, citing his advanced age as a reason for inaction.

Undeterred, Coles wrote another letter, imploring Jefferson to change his mind. He argued that Jefferson’s influence was needed, not just his prayers. Despite Coles’s passionate pleas, Jefferson never replied.

Speaking Uncomfortable Truths: The Hallmark of Citizenship, Justice, and Civility

Was Coles out of line to confront Jefferson with his hypocrisy? Not at all. His letters showed how much he respected Jefferson by telling him an important truth—albeit an uncomfortable one. Some might have thought Coles was rude or offensive, but in choosing this path, Coles was being deeply civil.

This is where the difference between civility and politeness becomes practically important, a central argument in my book, The Soul of Civility. When we hold back from discussing important topics or speaking difficult truths—especially to those in authority—for fear of impropriety or causing offense, politeness becomes a tool of silence and suppression.

By contrast, civility demands that we speak out on important issues. Coles lived out his duty of citizenship by defying prevailing norms for higher principles such as justice and equality for all. In choosing civility over politeness, Coles is the hero of American history we need today.

Civility, not politeness, is indispensable to our progress toward political equality because it enables us to take action and confront injustice head-on. The polite thing for Coles would have been to stay quiet and flatter Jefferson. Instead, Coles took the difficult, civil path, affirming the inherent equality and dignity of each person.

Coles’s example encourages us to recommit to living out ideals of equality and respect—ideals indispensable to democracy and human flourishing, which civility both embodies and enables.

Notes from the Book Tour

I was honored and excited to share my ideas with the esteemed guests at the Brookfield Academy National Conference! I had the pleasure of discussing my book, The Soul of Civility, which explores the importance of civility, respect, and kindness in fostering a harmonious society. We cherished our year living in Milwaukee and always feel warmly welcomed whenever we return.

Looking ahead:

• July 10 - 12- Freedom Fest, Las Vegas, NV. Register here!

• July 13 - Willian F. Buckley Jr. Communicators Workshop, Arlington, VA Register here!

• August 6 - National Conference of State Legislatures, Louisville, KY

In the news:

• Wonderful conversation at Stanford University for Francis Fukuyama’s YouTube Show.

• Thank you to Utah Public Radio for hosting an hour-long, wide-ranging episode about the most important question of our day: how might we flourish across difference? Let me know your thoughts, and click here to listen.

• Thankful to discuss my book on the PBS show, which you can watch The Open Mind!

• The Action Institute, Acton Line Podcast- Seeking Civility: Important Principles for Divided Times. Listen here.

Thank you for being part of our Civic Renaissance community!