Freedom, Self-Determination and Sacrifice

401 Words2 Pages
The 3 Keys Freedom, self-determination and sacrifice remain the sole basis for American society as we know it. Without these themes, the great nation of America would never have been founded. In Johnny Tremain, Esther Forbes used these themes when he said, “Friends! Brethren! Countrymen! That worst of Plagues, the detested tea shipped for this Port by the East India Company, is now arrived in the Harbor: the hour of destruction, of manly opposition to the machinations of Tyranny, stares you in the face.” (Forbes 125). Sam Adams said this to get people excited and to give them self-determination. Adams made a sacrifice to lead people to dup tea into Boston Harbor for freedom against the British. Furthermore, freedom does not mean license, but the wisdom to choose what is right for oneself. Freedom allows an open and honest debate. Good ideas will also be promoted, destroying the bad ones. People would also be free to have their own beliefs. In Chapter 8, A Word to Come, James Otis said, “There shall be no more tyranny. A handful of men cannot seize power over thousands. A man shall choose who it is shall rule over him. . . . We give all we have, lives, property, safety, skills . . . we fight, we die, for a simple thing. Only that a man can stand up.” (Forbes 209). James Otis said this for all the Whigs who sought freedom. In short, self-determination is one of the most important ways to succeed. Self-determination will motivate people to improve themselves and to work hard at all times. This will also make humans superior in knowledge and increase our independence. All people will have equal value. No more, no less. In addition, a sacrifice is taking a, possibly, hazardous risk for something you care for. In the end, a sacrifice usually has a benefit. Although, sometimes it will have a disadvantage or make you regret your decision. It could also help determine
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