One of the most debated ideals of the Declaration of Independence is Jefferson’s insertion of the words “the pursuit of happiness”, and I suggest this is the most fundamental and most egregiously misunderstood assertion.
Soon after Jefferson’s writing these words, the debate on their meaning shifted to acquisition and property as the means of happiness. Accepting this shift nullifies the possibility of happiness outside of the domain of property and grants the state the authority to either support or hinder the progress of happiness. It downplays the pursuit of happiness as an internal struggle available to all individuals regardless of acquisition.
Jefferson recognized, rightfully, that King George’s laws over the colonies made “the pursuit of happiness” difficult. The restrictions placed on individuals by the King’s government made that pursuit of happiness (and here I will refer to it as the pursuit of peace) secondary to economics and taxation. The acquisition of money became the priority in order to survive. The pursuit of property and wealth took precedence over the possibility of happiness regardless of financial gain.
Jefferson’s gift to the Declaration was to elevate human possibilities to lofty ideals and in doing so he opened the door to a greater humanity. But as a nation we have repeatedly refused to walk through the door of peace. Instead, we choose conquering and imperialism.
And on it goes, war and militarism, and now militarized police and ICE have been normalized and the pursuit of happiness is relegated to an old-fashioned notion that impedes progress.
Material goals replace higher ideals. And as our nation and culture continue on the path of militarism and might, the price paid is beginning to show itself in the loss of compassion, empathy and humanity itself. The good news is those precious human traits can be restored. They live within us and need our attention now. Spent time with those who uphold humanity. Engage the true pursuit of happiness. It is possible.
let kindness win 