Do YOU choose to be a common man?

An American Creed

I Do Not Choose to Be a Common Man

It is my right to be uncommon—if I can.

I seek opportunity—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 master nor bend

to any threat.

It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to

think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations

and to face the world boldly and say, “This I have done.”

By Dean Alfange

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*Originally published in This Week Magazine.