The drafting of the Declaration of Independence by American forefathers highlights the strong belief behind great initiatives
The founding fathers of the United States rebelled against the British Empire. They were a bit like David facing Goliath. They knew that if the action failed, they would face treason, and they also knew the outcome of the trial. What will it be like.
Author: GUDORDI | 2023-11-15
The publication of the “American Declaration of Independence” was a temporary decision. (Shutterstock)
All the strength and force of man comes from his faith in the things unseen. He He who believes is strong; he who doubts is weak. Strong convictions precede great actions.
── James F. Clarke
In the last chapter, the author mentioned that sometimes courage and determination without looking back can bring about magical results. On the other hand, the author pointed out through the text of “Tao Te Ching” that apparent strength or weakness does not necessarily mean anything. Moreover, the international financial center is a very special industry. As far as Hong Kong’s situation is concerned, the probability should not be so. So many people assert that it is that bad. This time I am going to talk about these two points again.
Committed and staked lives, fortunes, and sacred honors to each other
Let’s talk about the first point first. From the perspective of courage and determination, the American Declaration of Independence is a striking example. According to records, the publication of the Declaration was a temporary decision. Since the news of the uprising had leaked out, the founding fathers of the United States decided to advance the uprising after meeting in early July 1776 and declare war a day or two later. Therefore, after the meeting, Thomas Jefferson rode back to Virginia by night to prepare for the official start of the war. According to records, he started writing as soon as he returned to Virginia. There was no time to draft at that time, so the entire “American Declaration of Independence” was written in one stroke. This may also be the source of the surging power of the words of the “Declaration of Independence” …it was written by the complex thoughts hidden deep in Jefferson’s heart, which were forced to burst out in a short period of time.
From one perspective, the Declaration can be seen as the text by which Jefferson and the founding fathers of the United States explained to society and the world why they wanted to fight this war. However, on the other hand, it can actually be understood as Jefferson’s final defense of his historical status and reputation. The founding father of the United States was only a civilian, but his opponent was the British Empire, which was at its peak with the strongest military power in the world.
The founding father of the United States was of civilian origin, but his opponent was the British Empire, which was at its peak with the strongest military power in the world. The confrontation between the two was a bit like David facing Goliath. (Shutterstock)
From this perspective, the odds of America’s founding fathers winning were a bit like little David facing Goliath, and they knew full well that if their actions failed, they would face treason. , and they already knew what the outcome of the trial would be. Therefore, this “Declaration” is believed to be the only thing they can do to finally seek justice for themselves in history, and there may only be so much they can do.
After understanding this, perhaps we will be better able to appreciate what the last sentence of the Declaration actually says: “In support of the Declaration, but also by an unswerving commitment to the protection brought by divine providence. And for the support of the Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our Fortune and our sacred Honor.)
The key is whether you have the courage to persist
A good phrase, “the unshakable reliance on the protection of divine providence.” From one perspective, this can be said to reflect Jefferson’s reverence and belief in God’s will. However, on the other hand, this can also be said to reflect that except for the providence of God, Jefferson and the founding fathers of the United States actually had nothing to rely on. The meaning of the last sentence “our sacred honor” can be said to reflect the importance Jefferson placed on his reputation. However, on the other hand, this can also be said to reflect that Jackson and the founding fathers of the United States actually predicted that there would be no more “life” and “wealth”, and the only thing they hoped to save was their own “that”. sacred honor”.
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal; the key is the courage to continue.” (Success is not final; failure is not fatal; key is the courage to continue.) This is Churchill’s famous saying. . Yes, success is a journey, not a destination, and in this journey, the most important thing is to have the courage to persevere even in the face of setbacks. And if we can look at it from this perspective, we will understand that setbacks can also be seen as stepping stones on the journey – tests that must be experienced to gain lessons and move on to another stage. Perhaps, we can also understand the challenges Hong Kong currently faces from this perspective.
Amsterdam can be regarded as the world’s financial center in the 18th century. The world’s first stock exchange and listed company were in Amsterdam. (Shutterstock)
London's development has suffered major setbacks due to two events
On the other hand, assessing the prospects of a financial center is more complicated than most people realize, and Hong Kong’s chances may not be as slim as many people think. Today, for many people, Venice, Florence, Vienna, Amsterdam, etc. are tourist cities. However, in the Middle Ages, they were once prominent commercial and international financial centers.
In fact, Amsterdam can be regarded as the world’s financial center in the 18th century. The world’s first stock exchange and listed companies were in Amsterdam. On the other hand, in the 18th century, Paris’ status was also very strong. In comparison, London’s status may not be comparable to them. We must not forget that the development of London suffered major setbacks due to two events in 1665-66, one was the plague in 1665-66, and the other was the four-day Great Fire of London in 1666. These two giant disasters killed more than 20% of London’s population, made more than 70% of Londoners homeless, and destroyed more than 50% of the city’s buildings. Therefore, many people at that time judged that London’s status as a financial center would never be restored.
But what happened later? If the challenges Hong Kong currently faces are no higher than those faced by London in 1666, perhaps Hong Kong should not give up its career as a financial center so early.
“Hong Kong’s Legendary Future” Series 42
Contact the author: Gudordi@proton.me
