5.3

Success In and Of America: Equation for Success

I have often wondered why the United States of America has risen to our current status as the world economic leader. Concurrently, why do some people within our society, or any society, achieve while others struggle? I believe the two concepts are related. I read on the subject and was pleasantly surprised with the simplicity of what I saw. This reading was clear and concise. I saw one equation that in the macro sense largely explains our countries success, as well as a micro look at the equation that answers why some individuals succeed wildly and others fail.

The equation I am certain our forefathers talked about in some form as they planned and developed our way of life is as follows: Freedom + Organized Religion + Capitalism + Education = Success! I could see the simple addition of these four ideas so prominent in western society as a precursor to achievement. It is clear that many countries were missing one or more of the facets of this equation and were suffering a deficiency related to the missing component. I also understood on a personal level, some people lack one or more of these basic components to success due to various reasons and also suffer the consequences. I think our forefathers set up our government to encourage these components in our society and hoped the people of the country would follow the lead. I think our forefathers understood what makes a successful country and realized these principles apply all the way down to the personal level

Freedom places responsibility on the individuals within a society. People who live in a free society have a chance to understand that they create their own destiny. If someone wants to be successful and excel in a free society there is nothing to stop him or her from trying. Freedom allows people to dream, develop plans and act on their plans. Free societies encourage people to reach for the stars and do not put limits on successes. Societies that are not free, such as communist and socialist countries, do not reward individuals as abundantly for hard work and success in their vocation. Wealth in a socialist society is distributed among all people no matter how much harder or better you are than your neighbor. Thus, the responsibility to succeed is taken off the individual and consequently the society suffers. Freedom releases the stigma of limits and removes the ceiling from people's minds, which allows them to believe that they can achieve what they desire.