Sunday, July 3, 2011

The labor of democracy: Happy 4th of July!

I found this little book on the bargain rack at Barnes and Noble.  It was marked down to $4.99.  Four dollars and ninety nine cents plus tax for access to the combined wisdom of our Founding Fathers - men of the Enlightenment, all too human, but wise beyond their time.  At a leisurely pace, and with many interruptions, I was able to read it cover to cover in a couple of days.


My wish, as we celebrate our nation's independence, is for more people to read for themselves the content of this little book; for more people to stop trusting self-serving politicians or bombastic commentators, and seek out truth, wherever it may lie.  And then, armed with the truth, change themselves. 

“This above all:  To thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.”
—William Shakespeare

5 comments:

Amanda said...

You know, it is sad I only know the first few lines of the Declaration of Independence. I can't tell you which amendments are which...my knowledge of these simple, but important facts are lacking. I do know this, I am glad to be celebrating this holiday in this country!

Nicki said...

A brilliantly written post, and one I hardheartedly agree with. If I teach my children anything - it is to exercise their rights and vote, and to make-up their own minds because almost everyone has an agenda and their own spin on things. This sounds like a very good book to have.

Reds said...

beautiful post Maria!

Yolanda said...

Great photo! We viewed these documents when we were in D.C. last year and it was one of the most amazing moments of my life!

pat said...

Thank you for that simple yet profound post.