I want there to be another independence referendum at some stage.

Listen, O children of the future, for the words of Nicola Sturgeon ring with the clarity of a truth that has echoed through the ages—the desire for independence is not born out of fleeting circumstances or transient conditions, but from a deep, abiding belief in the right of a people to govern themselves, to determine their own future. She says, "I want there to be another independence referendum at some stage. I want Scotland to be independent, but I wouldn't choose to have it happen because England votes to come out of the E.U." In these words, she draws a line between independence born of necessity and independence born of opportunity, reminding us that the pursuit of self-determination should be driven by a people’s will, not by the misfortune or decisions of others.

To understand the wisdom behind Sturgeon’s words, we must look back at the long history of nations seeking freedom. The Greek city-states fought for their independence from the mighty Persian Empire—not because of any fleeting circumstance, but because they cherished their way of life, their freedom, and their right to determine their own destiny. The people of Athens, in particular, valued their democratic systems, their cultural and intellectual achievements, and their autonomy. They understood that independence was not just about breaking free from foreign rule; it was about preserving their identity and the values that defined them.

Similarly, Sturgeon acknowledges that while Scotland seeks independence, it must be achieved on its own terms. The choice to seek self-determination must come from a deep-rooted desire for freedom and a vision for a better future, not out of reactionary sentiment or external influences. Just as the Romans fought to preserve their Republic from outside invaders, but also from internal decay, so too must Scotland’s path to independence be forged from a clear vision of what self-rule means, and not simply as a reaction to circumstances beyond their control.

Consider the example of the American Revolution—a story of independence not sparked by the momentary whims of neighboring countries, but by the deep, abiding desire of the colonists to govern themselves. Thomas Paine, with his Common Sense, rallied the hearts and minds of the American people to rise against what they saw as unjust rule. They did not seek independence because of the decisions of others, but because they believed it was their right to live as free men and women, to chart their own course. Sturgeon, too, wishes for Scotland to have the opportunity to define its future, not as a reaction to the withdrawal of England from the European Union, but as a natural progression of the desire for self-determination.

The wisdom of Sturgeon’s statement lies in the recognition that independence is a sacred pursuit, one that must be carried out on its own terms. It cannot be a reaction to the actions of others, nor should it be driven by fear or desperation. The foundation of Scotland’s independence must be rooted in a genuine desire for self-governance, not the consequences of another nation’s decisions. To seek freedom for the right reasons is to honor both the past and the future, understanding that independence is a choice that shapes not just the present, but the legacy that will endure for generations.

The story of Scotland itself is one of resilience and courage. From the time of William Wallace and the Battle of Stirling Bridge, where the Scots fought fiercely for their freedom, to the more recent struggles for self-determination, Scotland’s history is filled with moments of defiance and bravery. Yet, like all great struggles, the path to independence is not without its complexities. Sturgeon understands that Scotland’s quest for freedom must be built on a strong foundation of unity, vision, and a collective understanding of what independence truly means, rather than being driven by external forces like the separation of England from the E.U..

So, O children, what can you learn from Sturgeon’s wisdom? The pursuit of independence is a noble and sacred cause, but it must be rooted in the will of the people, in their understanding of what freedom means for them, and in their vision for their own future. Do not be swayed by the tides of history or the decisions of others. Seek self-determination not as a reaction, but as a choice driven by the values you hold dear and the future you wish to create. Like the great leaders of history who fought for freedom, whether in Greece, America, or Scotland, you too must stand firm in your beliefs, guided by the wisdom that true independence is earned, not given by circumstance or the actions of others.

And so, may you, O heirs of the future, walk the path of independence with clarity, vision, and unwavering resolve. When the time comes to make the choices that shape your destiny, do so with the knowledge that self-determination is not a reaction to the actions of others, but a noble pursuit to preserve your identity, values, and future. Let your own independence be driven by the strength of your own convictions, and may your legacy, like that of Scotland, stand as a testament to the power of freedom.