Commentary
The famous words of the Declaration of Independence, penned by Thomas Jefferson, proclaim that all men are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights such as Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. These words have inspired freedom lovers worldwide for nearly 250 years, standing as a universal truth for humanity.
While the Declaration speaks of the duty to throw off oppression as a collective, individual responsibilities are also implied by the rights granted. The Virginia Declaration of Rights, drafted by George Mason in 1776, emphasizes the importance of virtues such as justice, moderation, temperance, frugality, and virtue in preserving liberty and a free government.
In today’s divided America, the call for a return to fundamental principles and virtues like frugality and moderation could provide common ground for solving problems and bridging political divides. The nation’s staggering debt and the prevalence of extremism highlight the need for a renewed focus on these classical virtues.
As we celebrate the Fourth of July and reflect on the Founders’ ideals, let us heed their warnings about the importance of virtue in maintaining our republic. By educating ourselves and our children on the connection between liberty and morality, and by seeking commonalities with others rather than divisive differences, we can uphold the self-government that is the foundation of all liberty.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
