Yes, in 1776, the 13 colonies declared their independence from England, creating a new model of government that shifted power from the monarchy to the citizens; of the people, by the people, for the people. Freedoms were instilled in the model as rights of the individual to avoid future tyrannical dominance.
Independence was the clarion call that created opportunity for many to build a new life, at the founding of our representative republic and throughout our short history. Independence was and still is a value that demands resilience, innovation, and the responsibility to ensure all can thrive, together.
It is the concept of independence that opens the door to discussion. By definition, independence means: “Freedom from control, influence, support, or help of others; the act of guiding, ruling or governing itself, not under another’s rule; not depending on others.”
This concept of independence is pure and requires the responsibility of the individual to live in a way that both upholds these rights while also being respectful of other’s rights to also be independent and live harmoniously with all life forms. Henry David Thoreau captured this essence at Walden Pond. It is a powerful balance of independence and interdependence. A hawk exemplifies this balance as it soars on an updraft.
However, Thoreau and the hawk at some point had to land and interact with others for sustenance, both physical as well as intellectual.
That then explains that independence includes some degree of dependence on others and if interwoven with respect, allows all to succeed. The power of balancing independence and interdependence.
In business, independence catalyzes great innovation, advancements in technology, better wellness solutions, channels of development and distribution, fundamentals of exchange, advice, and support.
This Fourth of July, let’s both celebrate and honor through our actions the independence we all cherish to have freedoms of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And remember all upon whom you depend that also support these freedoms. That balance holds the key for building a better, stronger world, together.
— Gillian