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Some things to think about before The Fourth
Here are some quotes to reflect on before the holiday
Nicholas Weber
July 03, 2024
The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. Family gets together, there is good food, the weather is often pleasant, and we tend to spend the time outside.
But I love The Fourth because of how uniquely American it is. Our nation’s story is shorter than most, but it is unmatched. On The Fourth we celebrate the foresight, courage, and genius of what the Second Continental Congress did when they declared independence from tyranny so long ago in 1776.
They knew our destiny had to be made, and that at every moment the idea of our nation - it’s future - sat on a knife’s edge.
I like to think about that around this time. So today, on the third, I want to give you some favorite quotes of mine so that they might guide you in reflection of our great country.
I hope you enjoy celebrating tomorrow. The Thursday morning edition of The Intel Brief will arrive at 0630 - as always!
For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are on us.
This is the most famous excerpt from John Winthrop’s 1630 sermon he delivered before he an his group of settlers arrived in New England. Winthrop understood the opportunity the new world presented; that the Massachusetts Bay colony could be a shining example to the rest of the world.
This is the quote that has been famously referenced over generations, but probably most notably by JFK or Ronald Reagan.
I shall constantly bear in mind that as the sword was the last resort for the preservation of our liberties, so it ought to be the first thing laid aside when those liberties are firmly established.
In 1783, after having led the American patriots to victory in the Revolutionary War, George Washington resigned his commission as the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army.
“The Resignation of General Washington, December 23, 1783” by John Trumbull
Washington, like the other Founding Fathers, held Roman virtue in high regard. Stories of men like Lucius Cincinnatus were inspirations to them. And so when Washington had secured America’s future, he rejected ultimate power and authority, and became a symbol of American forbearance.
Washington’s precedence was the ultimate rejection of tyranny in America.
Everyone loves his country, his manners, his language, his wife, his children; not because they are the best in the world, but because they are absolutely his own, and he loves himself and his own labors in them.
While not an American, nor a Founding Father, Herder is regarded as a father of modern history. This quote is an excerpt of one of his philosophical works titled “Ideas for the Philosophy of the History of Mankind.”
It is a favorite quote of mine, and is the basis of patriotism. It reminds us that every day we should seek to embody our nation’s greatest ideals so that we might reach our greatest heights.
Being an a good American begins with the individual, and the Founding Fathers reflected that through the rights they bestowed us.
Let me ask you, sir, when is the time for brave men to exert themselves in the cause of liberty and their country, if this is not?
This is an excerpt from George Washington’s 24 December 1775 letter to Major General Philipp Schuyler. Schuyler and Montgomery were contemplating quitting their posts and avoiding the conflict with Britain.
In pure Washington fashion, his wisdom was due to him understanding the time he was in. History is easy to know because it happened, but to understand it as it played out is something else entirely.
Washington knew, through the entire revolution, how pivotal a time and role he was in. Such characteristics in Washington, and the ability to orate them, would hold the Continental Army together on multiple occasions.
Never forget the men and women who risked everything to build a nation ruled by liberty and law, and never forget those who have protected it in generations since.