I Do Not Choose to Be a Common Man

Overshadow, originally uploaded by adrazahl.

Maybe you've heard this one before, I believe that it's rather popular out here on the internet. However, I don't think that it can hurt to hear it again. We all need to be reminded at times that life can be much bigger than we tend to make it.

"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.'" 

-Dean Alfrange

-Originally published in This Week Magazine. Later reprinted in The Reader’s Digest, October 1952 and January 1954.