What stage of the cycle are Americans? How can we as individuals prepare for the next step in the cycle?
"Effective resistance to usurpers is possible only provided the citizens understand their rights and are disposed to defend them." (The Federalist, No.28, Alexander Hamilton)
The Landing of the Pilgrims by James Daugherty book colloquium
The Pilgrims established the tradition of American Character in this choice land. The American Character is the self-governing spirit rooted in religion and morality.
Overcoming difficulties strengthens character. Some people are more concerned about avoiding the discomfort of hardship or finding someone to blame rather than learning a lesson from each experience. What adversity do you have in your life? How can you use it to strengthen you?
"A ship, like a human being, moves best when it is slightly athwart the wind, when it has to keep its sails tight and attend its course. Ships, like men, do poorly when the wind is directly behind, pushing them sloppily on their way so that no care is required in steering or in the management of sails; the wind seems favorable, for it blows in the the direction one is heading, but actually it is destructive because it induces a relaxation in tension and skill. What is needed is a wind slightly opposed to the ship, for then tension can be maintained, and juices can flow and ideas can germinate, for ships, like men, respond to challenge." James A. Michener
