Rich Neel dives into the intellectual roots of the Second Amendment, linking the founding fathers’ vision to the Enlightenment thinkers who inspired them. He explains how figures like James Madison, George Mason, and Patrick Henry shaped the foundational principles of individual liberty, resistance to tyranny, and the right to bear arms. These leaders, Neel notes, weren’t working in isolation but were deeply influenced by the broader Enlightenment movement, which championed natural rights and reason.

He highlights John Locke’s idea of inherent rights, including self-defense, and how the English Bill of Rights of 1689 served as a template for America’s Bill of Rights. Neel also discusses the Federalist Papers, particularly Alexander Hamilton’s Federalist 29, which emphasized balancing individual rights with collective security. Through this historical context, Neel connects the Second Amendment’s origins to timeless ideals of freedom and governance, showing how its roots were meticulously crafted to empower individuals while maintaining a unified nation.