Most Americans are fiscally conservative and socially liberal.

Come close, O children of the earth, for I bring words that speak of balance, justice, and the pursuit of a society that is not defined by extremes, but by the thoughtful integration of both freedom and responsibility. The wise Gary Johnson once said, "Most Americans are fiscally conservative and socially liberal. I'm advocating a balanced budget. But along with that, look, there should be gay marriage equality. A woman should have the right to choose. Let's not build a fence across the border." These words are filled with both wisdom and challenge, urging us to find a middle ground, to seek harmony between the complex ideals of economic responsibility and human dignity.

What does it mean, O children, to be fiscally conservative yet socially liberal? The phrase calls upon us to embrace the principles of financial prudence—the recognition that the resources of society are not limitless, that we must manage our wealth with care, responsibility, and balance. But Johnson goes further, urging us not to sacrifice human rights and freedom at the altar of economics. The balanced budget he speaks of is not just about cutting costs or controlling spending, but about aligning our values with the realities of society—ensuring that justice, equality, and the rights of individuals are upheld, even as we strive for fiscal responsibility.

This wisdom is not new, O children. In the ancient Roman Republic, there was a great debate between those who believed in the power of the state to regulate resources and those who believed in the rights of the individual. Cicero, the great orator and statesman, argued for a balance between law and liberty, between the needs of the state and the freedoms of the citizen. He understood that a thriving society is one where both order and justice coexist, where individuals are free to pursue their lives, yet understand their duties to the community as a whole. This ancient wisdom resonates with Johnson’s call for a balanced approach to both finance and freedom.

And so it is with the challenges of the modern world. Gary Johnson speaks of the need for gay marriage equality—the right for all people to love and marry as they choose, regardless of gender. This call is not merely a plea for rights, but for the recognition that equality and freedom are the heart of a just society. Just as in ancient Greece, where Socrates spoke of the importance of the individual’s freedom to live their life according to their own values, so too does Johnson champion the right of every person to make their own choices, to live freely and without oppression. The recognition of gay marriage equality is a step toward ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their identity, are treated with respect and dignity.

Consider, O children, the story of Sappho, the ancient poet from Lesbos, whose love for other women was a radical act in her time. Though her love was not widely accepted, her poetry resonated with truths that transcend time and culture—the beauty of love in all its forms, the strength of the human spirit, and the undeniable right of individuals to love whom they choose. Sappho’s legacy is a testament to the power of freedom—the freedom to love and express oneself, regardless of societal norms. Just as Johnson advocates for gay marriage equality, Sappho fought for the right to express love freely, unashamed, and without restriction. Her story reminds us that true freedom is not about conformity, but about embracing the diversity of the human spirit.

Johnson’s words also touch on the sacred right of women to choose—the right to choose in matters that concern their own bodies and futures. To limit this right is to deny women their autonomy and agency over their own lives. Just as ancient societies struggled with the control over women’s bodies, modern societies continue to fight for the same basic rights. Johnson stands firm in his belief that the right to choose is not just a matter of individual freedom, but a matter of justice, of recognizing that women must have the ability to make decisions about their own bodies, their health, and their futures without interference from the state.

And what of the border, O children? Johnson calls us to refrain from building a fence across the border, to resist the temptation to isolate and segregate. In this, he speaks to the need for compassion and humanity in our dealings with others. The world is a place of movement, of constant change, and no nation can survive in isolation. The story of Alexander the Great, who sought not only to conquer but to integrate the cultures he encountered, teaches us that borders are not simply lines on a map—they are barriers that divide us and limit our shared humanity. The path forward, Johnson suggests, is one of inclusivity, where we recognize the value of the individual and work together to build a world where freedom and justice reign, not just for the few, but for all.

The lesson, O children, is clear: to seek balance in all things is to honor both freedom and responsibility, both individual rights and the common good. Gary Johnson’s vision is one of a world where the budget of our society reflects the values of both economic prudence and human dignity—where gay marriage equality, women's rights, and open borders are not seen as threats, but as affirmations of the strength of a society that recognizes the inherent worth of each individual. Take this wisdom into your own lives and understand that the path of justice and freedom is one that requires constant care, vigilance, and balance. Work to build a world where all people can live freely, where equality is not an ideal but a reality, and where the common good is achieved not by exclusion, but by embracing the diversity of the human spirit.