"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 dole.
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.