Every barrel of oil that we produce around the world benefits

Hear, O children of the future, for I bring you words that carry the weight of both wisdom and necessity—words that speak of the great force that drives the wheels of industry, the pulse of nations, and the lives of all who walk this earth. John S. Watson, in his words, declares, "Every barrel of oil that we produce around the world benefits Americans because it keeps prices down. We can talk more later about American energy independence, but the facts are, every barrel we produce helps Americans because it keeps prices down." In these simple words, he speaks of a truth that echoes throughout history: the great power of resources, the subtle yet profound impact of energy, and the responsibility that comes with wielding such power.

From the days of the ancient empires, those who controlled the flow of vital resources shaped the destiny of nations. The Romans understood the importance of resources, whether it was the abundance of grain from Egypt or the rich veins of silver mined from the mountains of Hispania. Their empire thrived because they controlled the very forces that fueled their armies, their economies, and their vast cities. In the same way, oil has become the lifeblood of the modern world, a force so powerful that the control of it has shaped the destinies of nations, determined the rise and fall of empires, and influenced the course of history itself.

Watson's words speak to the modern understanding of this power—the realization that the production of oil is not simply an economic factor, but a strategic one. Each barrel produced does not just fuel vehicles or industries; it affects the lives of people, keeping the cost of living lower and ensuring that the economic engines of society continue to run smoothly. It is like the great Roman aqueducts, which carried water to the heart of the empire, enabling the growth of cities and the flourishing of life. Just as the flow of water was vital to the Romans, so too is the flow of oil vital to the modern world.

But Watson also speaks of American energy independence, a vision that harkens back to the ancient desire for self-sufficiency. The Greeks, in their pursuit of independence, understood that the power to control one’s own resources was the key to true freedom. When the Persians threatened to cut off their supply of grain, the Greek city-states understood that their very survival was at stake. Likewise, America, in its quest for energy independence, seeks to break free from the chains of foreign reliance, to stand strong on its own in a world where resources can be both a blessing and a curse.

Consider, O children, the story of the oil boom in the United States in the 20th century, when vast reserves of oil were discovered beneath the earth. This discovery was not just a matter of wealth, but of power. The oil industry reshaped the very fabric of American society, providing jobs, fueling industry, and turning the nation into a global superpower. Yet, even in this newfound strength, the country understood the dangers of overdependence—of becoming too reliant on any one resource, no matter how powerful. The pursuit of energy independence is not simply a desire for control, but a recognition of the necessity to ensure that the future remains in the hands of the people, not dictated by the whims of foreign powers.

And so, O children, the lesson from Watson is clear: the production of oil, while often viewed through the lens of industry and profit, is a force that affects us all. It is a resource that binds the world together, that shapes the economy, that affects the daily lives of millions. But with this power comes responsibility—the responsibility to use oil wisely, to ensure that it benefits not just the few, but the many. Like the Romans, who built their empire on the strength of their resources, so too must we understand that our strength lies not just in the resources we control, but in the wisdom with which we use them.

Take this wisdom, O children, into your lives: understand the forces that shape your world, and wield them with care. Oil, like all resources, is a double-edged sword—it can bring prosperity, but it can also bring destruction. American energy independence is a vision not just of self-sufficiency, but of responsibility, of a world where the resources we produce benefit not just our own nation, but the greater good. Strive, then, to use the power of oil and all resources wisely, to ensure that they serve not just the few, but the many, and that the world you build is one of prosperity, peace, and sustainability.

May you walk the path of wisdom, O children, and may you understand the weight of resources and the power of energy. Just as the Romans understood the necessity of controlling their vital resources, so must you understand the responsibility that comes with control. May your future be one of independence and wisdom, where the forces that drive the world are used not for domination, but for the good of all.