As part of celebrating our national holiday, I read The Declaration of Independence yesterday.  I noticed a stark contrast in approach between our founding fathers and King George, from whom they declared separate and independent status 239 years ago.  I invite you to read the following unedited, yet highlighted, The Declaration of Independence – Contrast Highlighted. The yellow highlights reflect the works of the founding fathers, the red highlights reflect those of King George.

Notice how often and in a multitude of terms King George acted upon and against others, contrary to their own well-being and in defiance of their character as competent heirs of “Nature’s God, the Creator, and divine Providence.”  The signers clearly declare King George acted independently of others’ own well-being.  He deliberately sought to foster dependence in his subjects.  Such is the definition of toxic independence.  It was well-declared.

Notice as well how often our founding fathers acted interdependently with God, their fellow men and each other to bring about the divine purposes of this great nation.  Their actions cost many of them their lives, fortune and sacred honor.  Succeeding generations, including myself, are the benefactors of their benevolence and courage.  The Declaration itself is an act of interdependence.  While declaring independence from a toxic throne, interdependence was preserved and maintained.

This inspired declaration of interdependence set in motion the events that fostered a self-reliance oriented nation.  Self-reliance is neither dependence upon others, nor acting independently upon or against others.  It includes acting interdependently with others in a manner that promotes life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  Those are things money can’t buy.