The Principles of the Founding Fathers Are Still Worth Emulating In Our Opinion
The Principles Of The Founding Fathers Are Still Worth Emulating In Our Opinion
By the Deseret News Editorial Board Jul 4, 2020, 6:00 am MDT
John Trumbull’s “The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776.”
Alex Contreras, Wikimedia Commons
Although it was only first declared a federal holiday in 1941, the Fourth of July has a long tradition of celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence since its signing in 1776.
Today America is in the midst of a historical time. The year has weathered attacks on health, economy and social change. For some, it’s hard to remember why the country is worth celebrating. Though the road may be rough, the principles of the Founding Fathers are worth keeping and emulating.
Perhaps the words of those who envisioned a free America can once again inspire us to study our history and use those lessons to move forward toward that higher goal of a more perfect union.
“Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God and nature.” — Benjamin Franklin
“The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.” — James Madison
“There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism.” — Alexander Hamilton
“We have all one common cause; let it, therefore, be our only contest, who shall most contribute to the security of the liberties of America.” — John Hancock
“Educate and inform the whole mass of the people. ... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.” — Thomas Jefferson
“The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the Republican model of Government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.” — George Washington
“Hold on, my friends, to the Constitution and to the Republic for which it stands. Miracles do not cluster, and what has happened once in 6,000 years, may not happen again. Hold on to the Constitution, because if the American Constitution should fail, there will be anarchy throughout the world.” — Daniel Webster
“The foundations of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality, and the preeminence of free government be exemplified by all the attributes which can win the affections of its citizens, and command the respect of the world.” — George Washington
“It does not take a majority to prevail... but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men.” — Samuel Adams
“Freedom had been hunted round the globe; reason was considered as rebellion; and the slavery of fear had made men afraid to think. But such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing.” — Thomas Paine
“Posterity, you will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in heaven that ever I took half the pains to preserve it.” — John Adams
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