"There can be no doubt of this: - All America is divided into two classes, - the quality and the equality. The latter will always recognize the former when mistaken for it. . . .
It was through the Declaration of Independence that we Americans acknowledged the eternal inequality of man. For by it we abolished a cut-and-dried aristocracy. We had seen little men artificially held up in high places, and great men artificially held down in low places, and our own justice-loving hearts abhorred this violence to human nature. Therefore, we decreed that every man should thenceforth have equal liberty to find his own level. By this very decree we acknowledged and gave freedom to true aristocracy, saying, "Let the best man win, whoever he is." Let the best man win! That is America's word. That is true democracy. And true democracy and true aristocracy are one and the same thing." (The Virginian, by Owen Wister)
Life is what we make of it. And that has very little to do with what we have or what we achieve. One may be wealthy, another may be impoverished, but they can still be quality people. They can still be equal in terms of character. So I say phooey to anyone who points to where they came from as an excuse for where they are. The blessing of America is the right to be whatever you want to be. It's not free, it's not easy, but it is a choice. We all make a choice to be our best selves regardless of our aristocratic status.
We have a new aristocracy in America and it is not the one that was intended. I believe that there are some very "little men" being "held up in high places". I say bring back the great men. Quality people step up and do the right thing. Our country was not built on Let the most politically correct man win, or the most oratorically gifted man, or even the most intelligent.
Let the BEST man win.
I want the best. There are very few best out there. Being the best means sacrifice and heartache. But God has a plan for every single individual on this planet, all six billion six hundred ninety two million thirty thousand two hundred and seventy seven of them. Not all of us are meant to be the best, but some are.
What can we do? How do we find the best?
I don't know. I think they find us. In the meantime, we each do our best to be what God intended us to be. We may not all be great leaders, but we can all lead someone. Maybe the only person you ever lead is you. "And if it so be that should labor all your days . . and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy . . . "
Lead yourself and maybe others will follow. Maybe you are one of the best.
4 comments:
I love this for so many reasons.
thanks for sharing your smartness.
PS I believe that not only do the best men find us...but that God helps them to be found as well. I still believe we can, at least in part, pray our country to greatness.
Where did you come from??? I love this. I share your feelings, although I am not as literary as yourself. Thanks for sharing, that is one of the best ways to start making a difference. Doing nothing gets us nowhere.
Wow.
Just one more reason to love you to pieces. :) Thanks for bringing out the best in ME.
You are a leader.
I'm speechless because I don't know how to tell you what a marvelous essay you just wrote. Really, truly great! Keep thinking about things...you're blessing us with your wisdom.
Post a Comment