With the 250th celebration of our nation’s birth on the Fourth of July this summer feeling long gone, we may forget a rich piece of the founding document that marked that anniversary. The Declaration of Independence concludes with 15 words that express an essential dimension of what it means to be an American.
“We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” These words, deliberately capitalized to emphasize the magnitude of the offering being pledged, have marked the progress, success, and growth of our nation for 250 years. Considering the more than 1.3 million Americans who gave their lives fighting in 12 wars, alongside the countless public servants such as firefighters, police officers, healthcare workers, and other first responders who sacrificed their lives ever since that document was penned, no doubt that we have been faithful to the mutual pledging of our lives. And, of course, there are many, many more whose selflessness came at the price of their lives to help another.
Pledging our fortunes and honor is, however, sometimes a challenge to quantify, though equally valuable and transformative. Our stellar history of philanthropy has provided schools and universities, hospitals and research facilities, community centers and museums, places of worship and soup kitchens, which together comprise a national infrastructure of stability, care, beauty, and even love. Compliance with taxation affords our nation the necessary services and resources we could not live without. From bridges, roads, and public education to beautiful parks, national defense, and protective policing, our country has the necessary systems that make us role models for all countries.
Maintaining this 250-year run of pledging our lives, fortunes, and honor takes hard work, deep commitment, and steady investment in both our local and national communities. I offer two important values for consideration as means to advance such generous pledging, especially in professional work environments: gratitude and gentleness, which are also among the five core values at DeSales University, where I serve as president.
Most people understand gratitude as the driving force that prompts us to say “Thank you” and express our appreciation. Of course, this is true. However, when deeply internalized, gratitude feeds joy, as we stand in utter delight with what we have been given, regardless of its size, import, or price. When we know someone has cared enough to share a gift or offer an act of service, we acknowledge the affection and esteem behind the gesture. This type of thankfulness honors the relationship long before it takes possession of what is given.
What’s more, gratitude actively works against entitlement. Grateful people do not see themselves as entitled because they understand all as a gift. Of course, we have a basic human right to clean air and water, healthcare, and constitutional freedoms, including an equitable education and freedom of speech and worship, for example. Yet, when we approach these and so many other blessings in our lives with gratitude, we don’t see them as entitlements but graces for which we give thanks. Indeed, we would never want our youth to take for granted the freedoms that come with our American citizenship, for many have died through the years to defend and protect them. For this reason, we pause several times throughout the year to thank and remember our service personnel, living and deceased. Entitlement melts under the light of gratitude.
In our professional lives, we likely enjoy stable employment and a work environment characterized by respect, safety, and ethical conduct. Certainly, this can be taken for granted. Each of us has a responsibility to contribute to a work culture that is life-giving, productive, and that advances the mission of our company, agency, or institution. An honest day’s work and a generous, collegial spirit can stir appreciation for the work we have been entrusted to complete, especially when many face unemployment or unfavorable work conditions. Our employment provides us with just wages, essential healthcare benefits, and time for rest and vacation with family and friends. It is no wonder we are thankful for our work and for the work of countless Americans over the past 250 years who labored with sacred honor.
Gentleness animates the respectful treatment of others and creation itself. This includes how we drive, text, and email; resist passive-aggressive behavior and sarcasm; raise our voice; and care for the environment, whether by conserving energy, recycling our trash, or taking other necessary protective measures. More gentle work environments can lead to increased collaboration, strong cohesion, solid teamwork, and less pettiness.
Gentleness does not, however, compromise the necessary and challenging conversations that naturally must occur. For example, colleagues need to be held to account, called to grow and stretch their abilities, and reminded of areas where they have underperformed. Gentleness is completely compatible with professional clarity when holding difficult conversations. In fact, gentleness can provide the oxygen for people to breathe with ease in these discussions.
As proud Americans who work in professional contexts, we continue the pledge of our lives, fortunes, and honor. May our gratitude and gentleness help this treasured and time-tested tradition continue to soar into a future fortified by our hard work and virtuous contributions.
