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Americans will soon celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday. Margaret Thatcher (Prime Minster of Great Britain, 1979-1990) said, “Europe was created by history. America was created by philosophy.” This deep philosophy forged the United States of America into existence 250 years ago. Let’s review the second paragraph of the The Declaration of Independence — our founding document:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
In the past I’ve spoke or written about Life and Liberty. To help celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, I’d like to spend some time unpacking the truths behind “the pursuit of Happiness“. If I asked, “Do you want to be happy?” most everyone would respond, “Yes!” To be happy, how do we get there?
Understanding Happiness
First, we must understand Happiness is something we pursue; Happiness doesn’t just happen upon us. Otherwise the Declaration would state: “… Life, Liberty and the reception of Happiness.” But it doesn’t say that. Instead, it clarifies that Happiness is something we pursue. Happiness is something we must go after. So, how do we do that?
Unfortunately, today’s response to this question brings bewilderment and confusion. What’s more, there are dangerous ideas floating about on how to achieve Happiness which have disastrous consequences individually and, on the whole, as a nation.
One such dangerous idea is that if we own more stuff — more money, more goods, more power — we will find happiness. It is true, that a life of comfort and recognition can bring happiness for a moment. However, when we look to those who have achieved such success we often find chronically miserable people. Whether we look to the world of entertainment or politics, we often see lives filled with self-inflicted tragedies. These “worldly success stories” often display people who are arrogant, addicted, self-centered, paranoid and bitter. On the whole, they are anything but happy.
Others believe Happiness can be found in boundless liberty — meaning life with no moral restraint. Do what you want, when you want. Put your desires before the needs of others. Take what you can; live life to the fullest now for tomorrow we die. Such unobstructed passion can bring a momentary euphoria but the consequences of this short-sided lifestyle quickly takes people to dark places — far from the Happiness they were seeking.
The Secret
In his first inaugural address, George Washington reminded us about the secret of Happiness.
“… there exists … an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness.”
What Washington is saying is simply this: If you want to be happy, be virtuous. If you are virtuous, you will end up being happy. As it turns out our government was created so we could live our lives free from evil political tyranny in order to pursue a life of productive virtue, not destructive vice. We are to take advantage of our freedom to pursue a life of generous piety, not selfish passion. We must reject the life of hedonism and instead pursue happiness.
What is Virtue?
One of the most famous lists of virtue is found in St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. He writes that we ought to pursue:
- Love, not anger
- Joy, not bitterness
- Peace, not strife
- Patience, not anxiousness
- Kindness, not ungratefulness
- Goodness, not evil
- Faithfulness, not double-mindedness
- Gentleness, not arrogance
- Self Control, not passion without restraint
As long as we pursue these virtues, as long as we pursue wise living, happiness can be ours; and, the greatness of our nation will last far into the future.
It’s important to remember what John Adams said,
“Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.”
Let’s enjoy our 250th Independence Day. Remember to think, say and be virtuous, and as a result, Happiness will be your reward!
 It is an honor to serve the people of Central & Southern Oregon. If you need assistance with a state matter, plan on visiting the State Capitol or have a great idea for legislation, please reach out to my office.
Best regards,
E. WERNER RESCHKE
State Representative, HD 55
The Crater Lake District
Capitol Phone
(503) 986-1455
Capitol Address
900 Court St. NE, H-383
Salem, OR 97301
Email
Rep.EWernerReschke@oregonlegislature.gov
Website
www.oregonlegislature.gov/reschke
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