I may write about random topics (I tend to have lots of random thoughts); however, the basic theme I have chosen is to discuss topics in the context of a basic fundamental principle (or truth):
"an individual has an unalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."Why? Because I am approaching life as an individual who is himself pursuing happiness and I have become extremely interested in how current events affect that pursuit.
Moreover, as I started thinking about events, economics, politics (controversial or otherwise), it was amazing to me how powerful the application of this one fundamental principle is. I believe if this truth is violated, individuals would be subject to tyranny and outright misery. So, if you don't believe that individuals have these unalienable rights, you probably will not agree with much of what I have to say.
Over time I, like most individuals, have learned basic principles and truths. We have learned things like "if you touch a hot stove, it hurts", etc. These truths are timeless and immutable. If you can figure out these truths, you can build on them to "deduce" other truths and principles. This concept is similar to what is done in the world of science and engineering (e.g. "the scientific method"). Furthermore, as we make decisions or decide our viewpoint on things, it is prudent to make sure we don't violate these fundamental principles -- just like once your learn a stove could be hot, you think twice before touching a stove.
Growing up, I always wondered how people came up with quotes and how those quotes became famous. It wasn't necessarily that the person was already famous, or that the the quote was so eloquently stated. What made the quote so profound was that it was born out of that individual's experience and convictions. These quotes were manifestations of fundamental truths and principles that had become clear to these individuals. It is fascinating to go back and learn the experiences that molded their beliefs and motivated these individuals to speak with such conviction.
Thomas Jefferson once said:
“Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add ‘within the limits of the law’ because law is often but the tyrant’s will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual.”One thing I note about what Jefferson said was that he brilliantly used the basic principle of an individual's right to liberty to further define what "liberty" is. He is expanding upon the foundation of an individual's right to liberty to further define (or explain) concepts such as "liberty", "law" and "equal rights." He aligned new concepts in the context of a fundamental principle drawing new conclusions, but never violating the original principle. If we, as individuals, do not do the same with our fundamental principles, then we are but tyrants attempting to impose our will upon others.
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