Words of Advice from our Founding Fathers

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United States Constitution and Declaration of Independence on a flag backgroundHappy Independence Day! On this day we celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, and the 13 colonies that separated themselves from the rule of Great Britain to establish what we now know as the United States of America.

This day will be filled with barbecues, family and friends getting together and many, many fireworks displays. And although all of these activities are fun, we certainly should not forget to reflect upon the true reason this day is such an important one in our nation’s history: freedom.

And more specifically, July 4 represents the idea, pursuit and accomplishment of freedom. Our Founding Fathers had an idea that the 13 colonies now established in North America should be free to unite and govern themselves totally separate from the authority and reign of Great Britain.

Many Americans fought and died for this idea of freedom, and the opportunities we all have in America today are credited to those who came before us who not only had this idea of freedom, but were bold enough to pursue it.

Our world is full of leaders and experts who offer their advice and expertise when it comes to life, pursuing one’s goals, happiness and education. Yet, today in honor of the men who set the stage for us, Recruiter.com wants to share some “expert advice” about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness from our Founding Fathers. Below is a compilation of quotes from the men who dared who to believe in the idea of freedom and had the courage to pursue it—words of wisdom from the first dreamers, activists, businessmen, politicians, educators and creatives that most of us aspire to one day be:

  • “You will probably have but a short time to live. Before you launch into eternity, it behooves you to improve the time that may be allowed you in this world.”-Thomas McKean 
  • “Old minds are like old horses; you must exercise them if you wish to keep them in working order.”-John Adams 
  • “Every human being has a work to carry on within, duties to perform abroad, influence to exert, which are peculiarly his, and which no conscience but his own can teach.”-William Ellery 
  • “A fondness for power is implanted, in most men, and it is natural to abuse it, when acquired.”-Alexander Hamilton 
  • “A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks.”-Thomas Jefferson 
  • “Stand upright, speak thy thoughts, declare the truth thou hast, that all may share; Be bold, proclaim it everywhere: They only live who dare.”-Lewis Morris 
  • “To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions.”-Benjamin Franklin 
  • “I always considered an idle Life, as a real evil, but, a life of such hurry, such constant hurry, leaves us scarcely a moment for reflection or for the discharge of any other then the most immediate and pressing concerns.”-Edward Rutledge 
  • “Knowledge is, in every country, the surest basis of public happiness.”-George Washington 

By Shala Marks