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Click to listen to Dave Ramsey speaking and reading \”The American Creed\” by Dean Alfange
I Do Not Choose to Be a Common Man
The Honorable Dean Alfange was an American statesman born December 2, 1899, in Constantinople (now Istanbul). He was raised in upstate New York. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I and attended Hamilton College, graduating in the class of 1922.
It is my right to be uncommon—if I can.
I seek opportunity—not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.
I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed.
I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia.
I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.
It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations and to face the world boldly and say, “This I have done.”
By Dean Alfange
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*Originally published in This Week Magazine.
Later printed in The Reader’s Digest, October 1952 and January 1954.
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As a entrepreneur that knows the hardships of breaking away from the herd, I found this extremely inspiring and I hope you do to. There are so many things in the world, especially this fall, that can make even an optimistic man check how full his cup is, and it takes leaders like Dave Ramsey and Dean Alfange to remind us that it’s okay to be ‘uncommon’. I guess a guy like myself could even be reminded to remember what the Bible says, ‘to be set apart’. Of course the Bible wasn’t talking about money or government directly but as a whole with our life as we relate it to being a servant of God. Without God, nothing is possible.
If you are ever looking for solid substance in your life as it relates to money, debt, business and relationships you should definitely consider tuning into the Davey Ramsey radio show. There’s days when it’s just what you needed to hear. If you would like to just get tidbits daily, follow the Dave Ramsey Blog.
Have fun out there
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Posted under Can I Quote You?, Ideas
This post was written by Ken on October 25, 2008
