As America approaches its 250th anniversary, one can’t help but pause and ponder the greatness of this nation. Yet, in today’s climate, you wouldn’t be blamed for thinking that being proud of being American is an outdated notion, especially with detractors on all sides ready to tear down our history. Indeed, Victor Davis Hansen recently shared some fascinating insights into what sets America apart, especially compared to other parts of the world that seem all too willing to point fingers while conveniently ignoring their own flaws.
One of the key aspects that Hansen highlighted is America’s ethos of equality of opportunity. Unlike Europe, where one’s social standing can often be predicted based on their family’s wealth or land ownership, America was built on the principle that anyone could rise from rags to riches—or vice versa. This fluidity means that individuals aren’t shackled by the circumstances of their birth. Instead, success here depends on ambition, hard work, and determination. Apparently, that’s a rather radical idea to every other country still asking, “What do your parents do?”
Moreover, Hansen noted how Americans have a fundamentally different view of envy. In many parts of the world, seeing someone with a shiny new car or a beautiful new home might bring about jealousy and resentment. Not here, though. Here, curiosity reigns supreme, with people more interested in understanding how someone achieved their success than tearing them down out of spite. Imagine that! Embracing others’ successes to pave the way for your own doesn’t only sound revolutionary—it’s good common sense.
America’s unique governmental system also plays a significant role in its greatness. Hansen talked about the staggeringly complex and robust mechanisms of checks and balances that keep this nation on its toes. Certainly, our system ensures that power isn’t easily manipulated behind closed doors. If Americans show any disdain, it’s for political backroom shenanigans that undermine their voice. Might it be time for some others to take notes on democracy, or perhaps we’ve just done such a great job that it’s too hard to replicate?
A discussion on American greatness inevitably leads to the idea of independence, autonomy, and, most importantly, the consent of the governed. While in other historical contexts, citizens were more like subjects, this country emerged with a revolutionary spirit insisting that government must serve the people. The Founders believed deeply in keeping citizens as independent thinkers, not marionettes to be controlled by an autocratic regime. Call it lofty ideals, but it’s worked better than most systems out there—just saying.
When comparing revolutions, Hansen considers why our American Revolution went so smoothly compared to, let’s say, the French Revolution. Perhaps it has something to do with our focus on creating independent, autonomous individuals who aren’t merely looking for free handouts—or maybe we’re just lucky to have dodged some tumult. Regardless, as America prepares to celebrate its quarter-millennium mark, it stands as a reminder of the principles and vision that have allowed this giant melting pot to flourish, despite the cacophony of critique and chaos.
