Dr. David Armitage, Professor of History at Harvard University, has written a great essay on the Declaration of Independence in The Wall Street Journal over July 4th weekend, “The Words Heard Around the World”.
In it, he makes many good points, but the most insightful is the importance of recognizing and separating two distinct elements of the Declaration that often are conflated—(1) the assertion of popular sovereignty to create a new state in dissolving the political bands with Britain, and (2) the more famous element in the second paragraph, its ringing endorsement of the sanctity of the individual (“We hold these truths…………”).
He then goes further to trace the worldwide impact of the Declaration over the past three centuries and notes that this impact has had much more to do with the spread of sovereignty and the creation of new states than with the diffusion and acceptance of the ideas of individual rights, and that this remains one of the more pressing dilemmas of international politics. In fact, of the 120 or so declarations of independence written since ours, scarcely any of them included the self-evident truths of individual rights embodied in our Declaration.
He closes with the observation that today’s authoritarians are eager to flex their sovereign muscles, but they don’t like the other half of the equation, the notion that, in fact, their authority derives from the “unalienable rights” of their citizens.
As I read this essay, in particular the closing comments, it occurred to me that this is the essence of American exceptionalism. Happy Birthday!
Jim,
It is indeed the essence of American Exceptionalism, providing the people own the virtue necessary to its flourishing. Individual liberty requires individual restraint (self control) to bring it to full flower.
Also, the Progressive attack upon the root and branch of American Exceptionalism has been been underway for a century or more with the more vigorous advances occurring in the present administration.
Jim,
For those who find “American Exceptionalism” interesting you can read “The Declaration of Independence: A Global History” ,
David Armitage ”
Tom
(Author)
Jim,
I am sorry, but assume the old Texas Pilgrim is dead. This web page, with fast moving sidebar quotes, that I cannot read before each changes, has a new short hand opinion that is confusing and less interesting. I have read and loved (and respected) the Original Texas Pilgrim for years. But, this is too different and not the depth of analysis I am used to reading. I may be “old fashion” and not use to change; but I do not like this new format.
Stan
Driving this morning, some radio station made comment that the average cost today of a good life was $130,000, so the “American Dream” is out of reach for all but a small percent of Americans. This attempt to put a Dollar value on the “Dream” shows a lack of understanding that the true American Dream is the “Right” to seek life, liberty and happiness doing what you want to do, without government or social direction. Sad that the reporter missed the opportunity to be positive.
Jim, I enjoy your writings very much and look forward to each publication. Also enjoy this format. Keep up the good work. All Best Wishes
Bob Stover
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