Created Equal

One of the most misinterpreted phrases in this country comes from Thomas Jefferson, "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." - The Declaration of Independence.

Contrary to popular beliefs, this phrase simply means, that everyone is equal from birth with the right to learn, work, and develop skills and talents on a path that brings them happiness. It does not guarantee happiness, nor does it say that everyone remains equal in anything but opportunity. Obviously those with better skills and talents may rise in wealth and status. But, they have no more rights, only more qualifications.

We have slowly grown to a nation that offers equality to all that are willing to sacrifice what it takes to attain their perception of happiness. Unfortunately, money has become the "equal" symbol for most. That simply is not true.

This week I heard about a young man that got a job right out of college that paid him a huge amount of money. He hated the job, but worked there for five years. He left that job that paid a seven figure income, (over $1million) per year, to take a job that paid very little by comparison. But, he found his "pursuit of happiness."

My personal experience included poverty, but a desire to live better. Although I didn’t really know what I was doing, I kept pushing forward to do better where I had a house and plenty of food. When I ran into roadblocks, and there were a lot them, I would find another way toward my goal. Like driving 150 miles round trip to college because my circumstances prevented me from moving close to the university.

And, there were lots of times that I didn’t feel like I was being treated equally. But, then life is not fair and it never will be. The point is, that if I can make a better life, anyone can. There are millions that can share the same story.

None of us, that are able bodied and of sound mind, should ever think that we are entitled to happiness because we have some illusion of rights that don’t exist.

We all are endowed by our Creator to be equal and we are.

In life and death.

PMO
©2018