It seems strange that in nearly all fields of scientific and humanistic endeavor, we have abandoned models of understanding of 100 or even 40 years ago and replaced them with better models of understanding. Yet Americans really can’t think past their 1787 document.

Instead of debating the exact meaning of “pursuit of happiness” or “inalienable rights” — somehow pretending we know the intentions of the founding fathers better than others, maybe it’s time to really rethink things.