Jefferson's Grammar

Exposure to the philosophy which closely defines what I inherently believe came as a result of a new addition to my life.

It was neither a process nor a discovery but a fortunate introduction to a thought which articulated and reinforced everything I believed. Since then, my conviction has been galvanized and my sense of purpose has been redefined. And so with this discovery - this thought which inspires and drives me to be me - I must now realize the method with which I would like to achieve happiness.

Though we could easily fault him for the use of faulty parallelism, Thomas Jefferson had it right when he said wrote, "...life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Maybe this grammatical mishap - the addition of "pursuit of" - was an intentional departure in order to emphasize that our rights are limited in that they only offer the opportunity to pursue it. Whether or not we choose to do so is a personal choice -- a choice guaranteed by our inalienable right to liberty. Consequently, the addition draws attention to the fact happiness can never given to us. It is only through its pursuit - through an individual's examination of self-interests and the determination to achieve it - that we can really become happy.

I am in pursuit.

Me, Myself, and I

Lately, I've found myself wondering whether a strong concern for one's self-interests automatically precludes a strong concern for the interests of others. A few months ago I would've said yes. Having been one who has strived for magnanimity and - probably a more relevant practice - altruism, sacrifice and compromise seemed rather valiant -- anything contrary, an aberration.

In examining what my so-called self-interests are - among others, morality, education, and service - I've come to realize that a strong concern for others and the ability maintain an interpersonal relationship effectively can only be achieved when I place my self-interests in the foreground. Unless I find contentment in who I am and what defines me, "I" will cease to exist; Rand said it best: "[happiness] is the proof of your moral integrity, since it is the proof and the result of your loyalty to the achievement of your values."

After all, it is only after I've developed a clear understanding and acceptance of the things that define the aforementioned interests can I truly and wholeheartedly give.