As we continue in our study of the Declaration of Independence, let’s dive deeper into the meaning of the “Pursuit of Happiness” as per a request from one of our participants.
Understanding the Pursuit of Happiness
When I teach teens this phrase, I start by telling them what it is NOT, i.e., the government buying you a cell phone, paying for your college, or ensuring that you reach a state of contentment.
Certainly, our Founding Fathers believed that We the People are responsible for our own happiness. How we achieve this is a matter of personal faith and freedom to pursue our individual goals. The Founders structured a government that allows us to choose our path in life and to develop the discipline necessary to get there. Although imperfectly applied by imperfect humans, when we achieve our goals, the fruits of our labor are ours to enjoy and do not belong to the government. They belong to us.
Pursuit of Happiness: Individual Goals and Government’s Role
When in doubt about terms or language of our founding documents, I consult https://webstersdictionary1828.com. These definitions are in the language of our country at the time of its founding. One of the definitions of “pursuit” is: “A following with a view to reach, accomplish or obtain; endeavor to attain to or gain; as the pursuit of knowledge; the pursuit of happiness or pleasure; the pursuit of power, of honor, of distinction, of a phantom.” So “pursuit” can be used to either to obtain good or evil. For example, if you pursue:
Wealth- You could steal and cheat to acquire it.
Security-You could oppress others.
Power- You could enslave and kill to get it.
Pleasure- Your pursuit could end up in shame.
Control- You could grasp control in nefarious ways to achieve it.
Pursuing Happiness: Personal Freedom and Civic Duty
The definition of “happiness” in Webster’s 1828 dictionary is lengthy. One phrase caught my attention: “Perfect happiness or pleasure unalloyed with pain, is not attainable in this life.” Exactly!
By exploring the meaning of the Pursuit of Happiness, we learn that we, not the government, are responsible for our individual goals. The government’s job is to protect our inalienable right to pursue our goals and enjoy the fruits of our labor.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.🇺🇸
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