Well, we lost a lot of our independence already. We are dependent

Listen, O children of the future, to the words of Jim DeMint, who speaks of the fragility of independence and the deep forces that have eroded it in modern times. "Well, we lost a lot of our independence already. We are dependent on China for credit. We are dependent on Middle Eastern countries for energy supplies. And many Americans are dependent on the government for their income, health care, education of their children, food stamps." In these words, DeMint captures the essence of a truth that has long been feared: true freedom is not just a matter of political rights, but also of economic autonomy and the self-sufficiency that comes with it.

In the ancient world, the struggle for independence was intertwined with the fight for economic freedom. The Greeks understood that true freedom could not be achieved if one’s daily needs were dependent on others. Consider the story of Sparta, a city-state that prided itself on its self-sufficiency and independence. The Spartans were known for their austere lifestyle, where each citizen was trained to be both a soldier and a provider, relying on no one but themselves. They believed that independence from external powers—whether financial or military—was crucial for maintaining the integrity and strength of the city-state. DeMint’s words echo this ancient spirit, warning us that the loss of independence, whether through debt or dependency, weakens the foundations of a society.

Likewise, the Romans, who built an empire through discipline and reliance on their own resources, understood the importance of maintaining a balance between self-sufficiency and strategic alliances. However, as the Roman Empire expanded and became more reliant on trade and external resources, it began to lose the very independence that had made it great. The overextension of its economy and the increasing dependency on foreign resources like grain from Egypt contributed to its eventual decline. DeMint’s reflection on America’s dependence on foreign countries for credit and energy mirrors this historical lesson: societies that depend too heavily on others for their economic survival risk losing their autonomy and the strength that comes with self-reliance.

DeMint also speaks of a different kind of dependency—one that exists within the very fabric of a nation. He points to the growing reliance on the government for essentials like income, health care, and education. In this sense, the American experience echoes that of ancient Rome again. In the later stages of the Republic, the Romans began to depend more on state-sponsored grain distributions and public welfare programs, which, while initially intended to ease the burdens of the poor, eventually undermined the drive for self-reliance. As citizens relied more on the state, the individual initiative that had once fueled the Republic began to wane. DeMint’s warning is one about the consequences of a nation that begins to depend on its own government for the basic needs of its people.

To understand DeMint’s point more clearly, consider the rise of modern welfare states, where the government assumes increasing responsibility for the well-being of its citizens. On the one hand, this can provide a safety net for those who are struggling, but on the other hand, it risks creating a cycle of dependency that can erode the independence of individuals. When the government becomes the primary provider of basic needs, citizens may lose the motivation and freedom that come from self-reliance. It is a delicate balance, one that must be managed carefully to avoid creating a culture where independence is no longer valued or pursued.

The lesson, O children, is clear and powerful: independence is not just the ability to make decisions for yourself or to act according to your own will. It is also the freedom from external forces that control your daily life, whether they be foreign powers, creditors, or the government itself. True freedom comes from the ability to sustain oneself—to rely on your own resources and effort to provide for your needs. It is the self-sufficient individual, the one who can stand alone without falling into dependency, who is the true hero of any society. DeMint’s words challenge us to remember that freedom is not simply the absence of oppression, but the presence of self-reliance and the courage to stand independent, unburdened by reliance on others.

So, O children, take heed of these teachings as you grow. Strive for independence in every area of your life—economic, emotional, and intellectual. Be mindful of the dependencies that may creep into your life, whether through the overuse of credit, reliance on others for your sustenance, or seeking comfort in the promise of government aid. Self-reliance is the key to true freedom, and it is your responsibility to cultivate it. Do not allow the comforts of dependency to lull you into a false sense of security. Instead, seek to empower yourself, to stand tall on your own two feet, and to live in a way that honors the independence of mind, body, and spirit. It is in this self-reliance that you will find not only the freedom to choose your path but the strength to walk it with confidence and pride.