What can Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Kant teach us about living a good life — and how do those lessons apply to politics and civic life today?

In this conversation, we sit down with Professor Anthony Celi, philosophy professor at Raritan Valley Community College, to explore how ancient wisdom meets modern responsibility. From Socratic questioning to Stoic self-control, we trace the philosophical roots of ethics, virtue, and happiness — and discuss how philosophy shapes our sense of justice, citizenship, and purpose.

Together we dive into:

- Socrates’ paradox of wisdom and the power of questioning.

- Plato’s vision of justice, the Allegory of the Cave, and the philosopher’s duty to return to society.

- Aristotle’s pursuit of eudaimonia — a flourishing life built through reason and virtue.

- The Stoics’ timeless lesson on accepting fate and mastering our inner judgments.

- Kant’s call to act from duty and the enduring question: what makes a life truly good?

This episode bridges philosophy, politics, and civic engagement, inviting listeners to reflect on how timeless ideas can guide modern life, leadership, and the search for meaning.

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on how ancient ideas continue to shape the way we think, act, and live today.

The American Dream: Myth or Reality? | Guest: Antonio Ruffa

In this episode of The Republic We Keep, we sit down with Antonio Ruffa — Italian immigrant, small business owner, and founder of Caffè Piazza in Hillsborough, NJ — to explore what the American Dream really means in today’s world.

From his journey immigrating to the United States to building a beloved local restaurant, Antonio shares the challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs that shaped his view of opportunity, hard work, and success in America. We also discuss whether the American Dream is still attainable for everyone — or if it’s become more myth than reality.

🎧 Listen now to hear an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and what it truly takes to make it in the “land of opportunity.”

#AmericanDream #ImmigrationStory #SmallBusiness #CivicEngagement #PodcastForChange #TheRepublicWeKeep #caffepiazzahillsboroughnj #caffepiazza #antonioruffa

In this episode of The Republic We Keep, we explore the intersection of faith, morality, and civic innovation with Dick Carr — a former lead engineer at Bell Labs, longtime Habitat for Humanity president, and Stephen Minister. From building cutting-edge technology to building homes and stronger communities, Dick shares how his career in engineering and his deep commitment to service come together to shape a life of purpose.

We discuss the role of faith-based organizations in today’s civic landscape, the lessons learned from decades of volunteer leadership, and how younger generations can find meaning and impact through hands-on service.

Topics Covered:

- Dick Carr’s journey from Bell Labs to Habitat for Humanity

- The moral and civic power of faith-based organizations

- Challenges and inspiring stories from community projects

- Inspiring the next generation to serve and build change

Tune in to discover how faith, innovation, and service can unite to build a stronger, more compassionate America.