The preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America states that it was written to “secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.” The Constitution begins with three very important words “We the People”
The Constitution sets forth the idea that in the United States the people are sovereign. Sovereign people are free people. Free people will secure the blessings of liberty. What are the blessings of liberty?
Private property ownership, freedom of speech, and freedom to petition the government for redress are just a few of the blessings of liberty.
The Founders of the United States were deeply influenced by the writings of individuals like John Locke and Algernon Sydney. It was their influence that helped inspire the founding fathers to seek for independence and fight against tyranny in pursuit of the blessings of liberty.
Sydney when speaking of government asks this question: “Who will wear a shoe that hurts him, because the shoe-maker tells him 'tis well made?” He further explains “That which is not just, is not Law; and that which is not Law, ought not to be obeyed.”
Locke further expounded on this thought by writing: “For where-ever the Power that is put in any hands for the Government of the People, and the Preservation of their Properties, is applied to other ends, and made use of to impoverish, harass, or subdue them to the Arbitrary and Irregular Commands of those that have it: There it presently becomes Tyranny, whether those that thus use it are one or many.”
As the posterity of the writers of the Constitution we have an obligation to seek for the blessings of liberty. This will require effort and action. Inaction will lead to a bloated government that will destroy individual sovereignty and deprive us of the blessings of liberty. We the people are sovereign.
Great literature should do more than entertain us. It should provide a roadmap to improving our lives.
In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens introduced readers to Sydney Carton, one of literature's most compelling and deeply flawed characters. Dickens also gives him an unusual title: the Jackal.
His struggles raise questions that remain relevant today.
Are we defined by our past mistakes? Can we overcome our weaknesses? What separates the people we are from the people we could become?
Lessons From the Jackal is a 25-day character study exploring these questions through Sydney Carton’s life, decisions, relationships, and personal development.
This is not a traditional course on A Tale of Two Cities. Our reading assignments will focus specifically on Carton, with sufficient background provided to understand his story. No previous knowledge of the novel is necessary.
Each day will feature selected readings, historical comparisons, reflection questions, discussions, and practical challenges ...
Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)
Samuel Johnson was among the most influential literary figures of eighteenth-century England.
He achieved extraordinary intellectual distinction through his essays, poetry, criticism, and his celebrated Dictionary of the English Language.
Yet Johnson’s personal life was far from uncomplicated.
He struggled with recurring melancholy, anxiety about his spiritual condition, and profound dissatisfaction with himself.
Despite these difficulties, Johnson demonstrated remarkable generosity toward people in need.
He provided financial assistance, offered hospitality, and maintained relationships with individuals who were frequently overlooked or marginalized by polite society.
Johnson’s life provides an interesting contrast to Sydney Carton’s.
Both men possessed exceptional intellectual abilities.
Both experienced deep personal dissatisfaction.
But Johnson repeatedly converted his abilities into substantial achievements while also demonstrating compassion through his ...
