I'm not making any secret of the fact I still believe in

Listen, O children of the future, for the words of Nicola Sturgeon carry with them the enduring power of a conviction, a call to the heart of every person who seeks to shape their own destiny. In her declaration, "I'm not making any secret of the fact I still believe in independence. We'll continue to argue the case," she speaks not only of a political cause but of a principle that lies at the very heart of human freedom and self-determination. Her words are a reminder that independence is not a fleeting desire, but a deep-rooted belief that can never be silenced, no matter how much time passes, no matter how difficult the struggle.

The quest for independence is as old as human civilization itself. From the earliest days of recorded history, the desire to be free, to stand as an individual or a people apart, has been a driving force behind countless revolutions, wars, and movements. The Greeks of the ancient world, for example, fought fiercely for their freedom against the might of the Persians. The Battle of Marathon, a pivotal moment in their struggle, was not just a military victory but a triumph of the human spirit, a symbol of the power that arises when a people come together to defend their independence. Like the Greeks, Sturgeon understands that independence is a cause worth fighting for—a cause that, though it may be delayed, can never truly be abandoned.

Nicola Sturgeon’s words echo those of other leaders who have long championed the cause of self-determination. Consider William Wallace, the Scottish hero of the First War of Scottish Independence, who, like Sturgeon, stood firm in his belief that the Scottish people had the right to govern themselves, free from the oppressive rule of the English. Wallace’s fight was not just for land, but for the very essence of freedom, for the right to chart one’s own course in life. Though Wallace’s fight was ultimately crushed, his spirit lived on, inspiring future generations of Scots to continue the struggle. Sturgeon, like Wallace, carries the torch of this unyielding belief in independence, a belief that cannot be extinguished simply because the road is difficult or the battle seems endless.

But the path to independence is not always straight or simple. There are those who doubt, those who question whether the cost of self-determination is worth the sacrifices that must be made. Yet, Sturgeon remains steadfast, refusing to hide or downplay her belief. In a world where political views can be shaped by fear or appeasement, her unwavering commitment to independence is a rare and powerful force. It is a force that reminds us that conviction is the foundation of all meaningful change. The true leaders of history are not those who bend to the will of the majority, but those who stand firm in their beliefs, who argue their case with passion and reason, no matter how difficult the fight may seem.

Sturgeon also teaches us a vital lesson about the nature of arguments. To argue for something is not to impose it by force, but to engage in a battle of ideas, to present one’s case with conviction, and to inspire others to see the truth in that vision. In the ancient world, Cicero, the Roman statesman and orator, argued tirelessly for the protection of the Roman Republic and the values of liberty that it stood for. His speeches, filled with wisdom and moral clarity, swayed the hearts and minds of many. Like Cicero, Sturgeon continues to argue the case for independence, not by force, but by presenting a compelling vision of the future—a vision in which the Scottish people are free to determine their own fate.

Thus, O children, the lesson from Nicola Sturgeon is clear: independence is not a gift that can be given by others; it is a right that must be argued for, fought for, and won through perseverance, wisdom, and unwavering conviction. Like the great leaders of the past, you too must have the courage to stand for what you believe in, even when the path is unclear and the road is filled with obstacles. Independence—whether personal, political, or national—is the foundation of all freedom, and it is a cause worth fighting for, no matter how long the struggle.

Take this lesson into your lives, O heirs of the future: never shy away from arguing for what you believe to be right. Whether it is for self-determination, for justice, or for the freedom of others, stand firm in your convictions. Let no one silence you, and let no challenge deter you from the path of righteousness. Just as Sturgeon continues to argue for independence, so too must you continue to speak the truth and fight for a world where the right to self-determination is held sacred. And when the time comes, may your efforts be rewarded with the fruits of freedom, and may you, like the great heroes of the past, inspire others to stand strong in their own battles for independence.