By issuing the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, almost 250 years ago, the 13 American colonies severed their political connections to Great Britain. The Declaration summarized the colonists’ motivations for seeking independence. By declaring themselves an independent nation, the American colonists were able to confirm an official alliance with the Government of France and obtain French assistance in the war against Great Britain.
Helped by the Marquis de Lafayette, who volunteered his military expertise to support this dramatic change and evolution to self-government, he shared his thoughts as he returned to France:
‘My grand affair appears settled, for America is certain of her independence, humanity has gained her cause, and liberty will never be without a place of refuge.’
For these past 250 years, Americans in all walks of life have debated and discussed the concepts of independence, while benefiting from the freedoms it bestows….freedom to create, freedom to practice one’s faith, freedom to learn and travel, freedom to communicate, freedom to do business. One can be discouraged by restrictions and challenges to these freedoms, but it is within the spirit of this great human experiment defined in the Constitution that we find solutions, independently as well as collaboratively.
For clarification, it is often wise to revert to the pure definitions, as often over time, alterations seep in.
Independence: Freedom from the control, influence, support, or help of others.
Independent: Guiding, ruling or governing oneself; Needing, wishing, or getting no help from others; Not depending on others; refusing to be under the obligation to others. Derivation; In (not) dependere Latin de- from, pendere – hang.
My Scottish heritage influenced my reality of always being self-sufficient, solving challenges, being productive without wasting effort, attention or energy. These core fundamentals are woven into the fabric of Christie & Co, helping ethical brands get from Dream to Mainstream and improving the world with their successes.
However, despite the spirit of our upcoming Independence Day, it is truly not possible to play the game alone and independence unto itself may be more nuanced. In business, we have our teams, our creatives, our manufacturers, our distributors, our bankers, our communicators, and even more important, our communities. In working together, intelligence is shared, problems are solved often with the advice from others who are more experienced, opportunities are discovered, communities are strengthened.
Let’s celebrate this Independence Day on July 4th and honor the freedoms we have as we also celebrate the Interdependence we need to work together to make life better.
“Interdependence is and ought to be as much the ideal of man as self-sufficiency. Man is a social being.” Mahatma Gandhi
We are so grateful for you and having you part of our community. Thank you for all you do to make life better.
Gillian