On Independence Day

I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history, naval architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain.

John Adams

I'm not sure that any other quote so aptly captures the American Dream. The progress of the United States been often been slow and occasionally stalled altogether - but it is impossible to seriously argue that we have not made tremendous advances towards Adams' goal since he and his contemporaries created this nation.

I feel fortunate to live here in the United States where I have both the physical safety and the intellectual freedom to pursue my potential and I am excited to see what the latest generation can do. What diseases might we cure? What new renewable and clean sources of energy will we tap? What improvements will we make to our public schools? Will we return to the Moon or finally send a human being to Mars?

I guess only time will tell. But I feel blessed to live in a country in which questions like these are not unwarranted...

Happy Independence Day!