Independence

"Freedom (n.): To ask nothing. To expect nothing. To depend on nothing." - Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead

The quote above sums up my beliefs on independence and I think it would be a great message to drive home to our children.  I'll break down this quote into 3 parts to explain what each means to me...

To Ask Nothing

If you are truly independent than you don't need to ask for help.  This includes help from the Government, parents, friends, etc.  There are way too many people in this country that just ask, ask, ask, and ask for more.  "Give me health care!" "Give us food!" "Give us money!"  This is a very dangerous way of thinking and will be our demise.

To Expect Nothing

This supports the first statement in that not only do you not ask for anything, you don't expect it either.  Live your life and be yourself!  Stop waiting on someone else to come along and fix your problems!  Get out there and make something for yourself!

To Depend On Nothing

Dependence is for children and those who physically cannot care for themselves.  It's OK for those to be dependent.  It is NOT OK for you to be dependent if you are physically capable of working.  Get off your lazy butt, decide that you are going to be your own person, and go make something of yourself.

Celebrate independence by BEING independent!