America changed the game.
Before the Declaration of Independence was signed your place in this world was mostly determined at birth.
Before 1776 humans were like trees. Planted. Stationary. Able to grow up and out, but unable to move from where we were planted.
After 1776, the idea that we were NOT trees took root. (Couldn’t help myself.)
To me the Fourth of July is a reminder that we’re born with the unalienable right to strive, to pursue, to move towards something better.
None of us are truly stuck where we are. If we don’t like our station in life, we can move.
That doesn’t mean it will be easy. Indeed the happiest, most content among us earned it by passing through tremendous hardship and sacrifice.
The Declaration of Independence doesn’t promise happiness. It promises the PURSUIT of happiness.
For all our problems, we live in the greatest country on earth. Nowhere else in the world is opportunity an unalienable right.
Happy Birthday, America!
