An embryonic hypothesis: Most Americans subscribe to one of three images of America, each with its own political hero, philosophical hero and philosophical movement.

Founding Fathers  (Enlightenment America): Political hero: Thomas Jefferson. Philosophical hero: John Locke. Movement: The Enlightenment.

Pre-Founding Fathers (Evangelical America): Political hero: Jonathan Edwards. Philosophical hero: Martin Luther. Movement: The Great Awakening.

Re-founding Fathers (Progressive America): Political hero: Abraham Lincoln. Philosophical hero: John Dewey. Movement: Pragmatism.