An American's Creed

This is certainly not only "American." But it is American in the deepest sense. It is human. It speaks of freedom and adventure and innovation and independence.  

The American's Creed

“I do not choose to be a common man. It is my right to be uncommon. I seek opportunity to develop whatever talents God gave me - not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me. I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed. I refuse to barter incentive for a dote. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence.; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia. I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any earthly master nor bend to any threat. It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations, and to face the world boldly and say - ‘This, with God’s help, I have done.'" 

All this is what it means to be an American. 

[Some history of this creed and related materials: https://doughboysearcher.weebly.com/1936-1937-the-spirit-of-america--the-spirit-of-the-flag.html ]