What is a Citizen Farmer?

A Citizen Farmer is a person that exercises both the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, who values both family and community in equal measure, who is willing to sacrifice his or her own ambition for the common good of society when necessary, and never seeks to be a career politician.

Cincinnatus was such a man

Cincinnatus is remembered as a model of civic virtue. While he was granted great power and accepted it, he only kept it as long as necessary to serve his country. Cincinnatus was a family man and a farmer as well as an army general. During times of peace, Cincinnatus spent his time at home, caring for his family and his farm. When he learned of an emergency facing Rome, Cincinnatus left his plow standing in the field, bid farewell to his wife, and led the Romans to victory against the Aequians.

 Cincinnatus was so adept at leading his army over the Aequians, his fellow Roman citizens wished to make Cincinnatus their king. But rather than accepting this famed title, Cincinnatus refused, and instead retreated to his farm. In so doing, Cincinnatus maintained Republican values rather than allowing Rome to descend back into a monarchy.

	George Washington is often called, “the American Cincinnatus.”

The first president of the United States, George Washington is the only person ever to win 100% of electoral votes. He became a hero in both public service and in his ability to resign when the service had been fulfilled.

Our founders led the way developing civic organizations providing a blueprint for a cohesive and inviting American society. These fraternal organizations and clubs of engaged citizens adventured together as well as financed and propelled explorers and innovators through expansion of boundaries and opportunities which powered our growing nation and inspired great accomplishments. These leaders did business together and served society together. In so doing, they built rapport, relationship and ultimately trust in each other and their association ensured stable growth and a foundation for future generations. They were stewards!

It’s time for revival of Civic Virtue

Citizen Farmers are needed in every facet of society (not just military and politics). We need inventors, entrepreneurs, and investors too. However, since the 1970’s, the gathering and association of these leaders, and their impact on civic engagement, has been in decline. Lost camaraderie and the opportunities derived from gathering in common purpose are evident as we observe the fault lines of our American society. Ultimately, the times require a rebirth of the Citizen Farmer.