On the record
But such is the public opinion in favor of personal independence springing from industry, that a native-born American citizen had rather die than go to an Alms-House.
Said by
Henry Ward Beecher
Source
gutenberg.orgHenry Ward Beecher: “But such is the public opinion in favor of personal independence springing from industry, that a native-born American…”
Editor's note · Context
Beecher highlights the strong societal stigma against seeking charity in America, reflecting a cultural value of independence.
Share
More from Henry Ward Beecher
An infernal Juno, envious of the destined greatness of this country, hath sent this serpent upon it!
And if by an insane blindness you shall contrive to put off the issue, and send this unsettled dispute down to your children, it will go down, gathering volume and strength at every step, to waste and desolate their heritage.
Dying, we will leave it a legacy to our children, and they shall will it to theirs, until the work is done, our fathers' prayers are answered, and this whole land stands clothed and in its right mind--a symbol of what the earthly fruits of…
Northern ideas must become American, or Southern ideas must become American, before there will be peace.