(I wrote this post around the 4th of July and then neglected to publish it)
At this time of year we often reflect on gaining our ‘independence’ as a country, the ‘United States of America’, from the regime of another country, ‘England.’
*Independence --- Free from the influence, guidance, or control of another
(Definition from The American Heritage Dictionary)
In this connotation ‘independence’ has a very positive interpretation and I strongly uphold the freedoms and rights that have been gained from that ‘independence’ …however…when it comes to relating to mankind, I believe that independence tends to disconnect us as individuals…
I feel that I have long fought the battle against independence…...not “independence as a group” but “independence as an individual”…
...maybe that is because these two phrases are very different entities…
Perhaps in our quest to gain self-reliance, we mistakenly strive for independence…
Self-reliance & independence are two characteristics I alluded to in an earlier post –
“To Be or Not…” under the “Reality Check” label.
The semantics or meaning of these two words seems to be controversial in nature or competitive to say the least…
*Self-reliance --- Reliance upon one’s own capabilities, judgment, or resources
(Definition from The American Heritage Dictionary)
To be self-reliant requires us to be competent, thoughtful individuals while still allowing the connection and inclusion of others if we so choose. Self-reliance can and should inspire charity among human kind which is a commendable & desirable trait…
Independence, on the other hand, by its very definition excludes the involvement of anyone else and therefore encourages us to disconnect from other human beings. It connotes self-absorption and selfishness which are attributes to which I, for one, do not aspire…
And so I ask myself: As an individual, am I striving to become independent or self-reliant???
And that’s all I have to say about that…
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