Thursday, July 4, 1996

Freedom

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,
that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
-- Declaration of Independence

Today in the United States we celebrate our nation’s Independence Day. On this day in 1776 the Continental Congress adopted The Declaration of Independence, a document which detailed the grievances of the American colonies against the British crown and declared the colonies to be free and independent states.

On this day we celebrate freedom.

Freedom is an empowering and sobering concept. It gives us the opportunity to succeed, and also to fail. It allows us to make our own way in life, and requires that we accept the responsibility for that.

Freedom is impossible without responsibility. The two simply cannot exist apart, and no amount of legislation can ever change this. You can be truly free only by being totally responsible for your life and your actions.

Though millions have died for it, and most would choose freedom over any alternative, freedom can often be very frightening. It often imposes difficult decisions, and requires valiant effort to maintain. Though freedom is indisputably the best course, it is seldom the easiest.

Freedom has given individuals and communities the ability to create great things. Magnificent works of art, immense wealth, productive industry and technology, literary masterpieces, athletic triumphs, caring, compassionate healing and many other beautiful things spring forth from people who are free to pursue their dreams.

Freedom is a human catalyst that has no equal.

Thankfully, freedom is available to more people than ever before. But just because it is availble, doesn’t mean you have it. To be truly free, you must accept your freedom, and all the responsibility that comes with it. To be free means being your own person, with your own purpose, and passion, and integrity. And just as it has to thousands of communities and millions of people, true freedom will bring you greatness.

— Ralph Marston

Bit by bit       Let life flow

Copyright ©1996 Ralph S. Marston, Jr. All Rights Reserved. The Daily Motivator is provided for your personal, non-commercial use only. Other than personal sharing, please do not re-distribute without permission.