RBC I It’s the spirit of Americans that makes us the greatest country with the most freedom and prosperity the world has ever known.
Human history is characterized by domination and subjugation. From virtually the beginning of mankind, tyrants, monarchs, dictators and oppressors of all types have been the norm. What is different about Americans? What enables Americans to achieve more than any other people in history?
Before our founding, a country built on freedom had never existed. Americans’ spirit of liberty, combined with a can-do attitude, has allowed us to attain more in several hundred years than other cultures have accomplished in thousands. The unprecedented success of America has inspired people around the world to fight for and establish their own independence.
The yearning to be free from oppression is our core. We recognize freedom as a fundamental, unalienable right. Even before our founding, people from other countries flocked here to escape the chains of bondage and repression. In America, we are free to succeed or fail. It’s an individual choice, not the dictate of any ruling class. We are free to take personal responsibility for our lives rather than expecting others to take care of us. It is this freedom to succeed and be the masters of our destiny that is the spirit of Americans.
Our Declaration of Independence affirms that we are all created equally and endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights which include life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Our government is designed to be empowered by us rather than to control us.
Americans define pioneer spirit. Just like the pilgrims, Americans risked everything seeking a better life and opportunity. Those families who packed all of their belongings into wagons and headed into the American west, personified self-reliance. They carved homesteads, towns and cities out of the wilderness. They built, created and invented whatever they needed. They took no handouts and didn’t rely on anyone else to take care of them.
Without persistence, perseverance and determination America would never have survived. We have a yearning to succeed. We want a better world for ourselves and for others. The things we accomplish are not easy.
Americans persist in spite of fear. We venture into the unknown where the outcome isn’t guaranteed but dependent on courage. Brave Americans fight for and defend freedom around the globe. The entire world counts on the generosity of Americans. Americans are first on the scene helping others in need with their time, money and supplies. Wherever disaster and misfortune strike, Americans are there to help.
Americans are known for their innovations. We are responsible for more discoveries and inventions than anyone else. Propelled by the freedom to be rewarded for our efforts, we create products and services in all areas of life that generate the highest standard of living in history. Americans are creative. We figure out how to do things that have never been done before. We don’t believe “it can’t be done.” People everywhere are living better lives because of the spirit of Americans.
Americans are driven. In America, anyone can achieve their dreams. We are free to accomplish anything we want. We don’t have to belong to any group or organization. In America, individual talent and effort is rewarded. We put in whatever energy is needed, for as long as it takes, to get where we want to be. American exceptionalism is rooted in an uncompromising work ethic, combined with the highest standards. Because there are no externally imposed limits on how much an individual can attain, Americans can start from anywhere and achieve anything.
Stand up, speak out and do your part to care for and protect our great country. You are the spirit of America.
Bryan Golden is the author of “Dare to Live Without Limits.” Visit www.DareToLiveWithoutLimits.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a self-development expert, syndicated columnist and professor. Email Bryan at [email protected]. Copyright 2011, Bryan Golden
