This weekend, we celebrated the 239th anniversary of our nation’s independence. It’s a time to recognize our fortunes as free citizens and honor those who have served in defense of our liberty. Outside of Christmas and Thanksgiving, for some of us, the 4th of the July is our favorite holiday. To take a day to understand our place in history as the most successful republic and the most prosperous and charitable nation of all time is a privilege.
So what does this holiday have to do with English?
One of my favorite founding father quotes is from John Adams. He once said, “I must study politics and war, that my sons may have the liberty to study mathematics and philosophy, natural history and naval architecture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, tapestry, and porcelain.”
Everyone who loves literature and art has been given the ability to study culture and the English language because brilliant and brave men and women who came before us studied aspects of humanity that were much more important for ensuring the safety and success of our young country. Though our founders were undoubtedly flawed, as all men and women are, they held a special genius and a vision for what was possible for a future nation.
Of course, other nations around the world hold strong literary traditions as well, but none offer the level of creative proliferation and diversity that America does. I have been blessed to live in a nation that embraces capitalism, so that people have the resources and free time to read books and listen to music. I love that our nation provides the freedom to write, read, and speak nearly anything we want. And there’s nowhere I’d rather be than a country in which I can pass on my cultural knowledge to younger generations, just as Adams did during his time. If you are a student or teacher in the field of English, or you make a living by writing or creating in any way, be thankful for the 4th of July. America has given you a great gift.
So what does this holiday have to do with English?
One of my favorite founding father quotes is from John Adams. He once said, “I must study politics and war, that my sons may have the liberty to study mathematics and philosophy, natural history and naval architecture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, tapestry, and porcelain.”
Everyone who loves literature and art has been given the ability to study culture and the English language because brilliant and brave men and women who came before us studied aspects of humanity that were much more important for ensuring the safety and success of our young country. Though our founders were undoubtedly flawed, as all men and women are, they held a special genius and a vision for what was possible for a future nation.
Of course, other nations around the world hold strong literary traditions as well, but none offer the level of creative proliferation and diversity that America does. I have been blessed to live in a nation that embraces capitalism, so that people have the resources and free time to read books and listen to music. I love that our nation provides the freedom to write, read, and speak nearly anything we want. And there’s nowhere I’d rather be than a country in which I can pass on my cultural knowledge to younger generations, just as Adams did during his time. If you are a student or teacher in the field of English, or you make a living by writing or creating in any way, be thankful for the 4th of July. America has given you a great gift.