How Are All Men Equal?

"All men are created equal", said Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence. This is considered one of the founding principles of our country, but its truth and meaning are often questioned. Many speak of "equal rights" and there ARE rights and privileges granted to every citizen, but these can be taken away based upon criminal actions or local prejudices. Certainly, we are NOT equal in our abilities, physically or mentally. So what does this phrase really mean? Is there an inherent capability that we all have that relates to the statement of Jefferson?

I believe there is and it relates directly to "the pursuit of happiness": As long as we are conscious, we are capable of choosing our thoughts! This is our most important power and we all have it. For with the power of our thoughts, we create our experience. Our thoughts control our very experience of happiness.

Studies have shown that material wealth does not bring happiness. Neither does being attractive or physically gifted. Nor does intelligence bring happiness. None of these is a reliable predictor of an individual's happiness. Jefferson said the "pursuit of happiness" is an unalienable right and I claim it is available to all. But we must learn how to choose it, because happiness does not come from our circumstances, but, instead, it comes from our experiences. Our circumstances are external to us and are often out of our control, but our experiences are internal, in our thoughts, and ARE under our control (if we use our power to choose them).

As an example, let's say that someone treats you badly. You feel that they owe you retribution or restitution and you keep this "outstanding debt" in your thoughts as long as they do not repay you. As the thoughts of this wrong and hurt "fester" in your mind, you are unlikely to be happy. This is because you gave up your right to be happy, so that you could be right.

It was your choice. You could have handled this situation differently. You could have said to yourself that this action has made you want to rethink your relationship with this person. Maybe you decided you will no longer associate with them. Fine, so be it. Or you could decide that they made a mistake, but you still want to continue the relationship. This is also an acceptable decision. BUT, either way, you MUST follow this decision with the act of forgiveness, releasing the power of this event to take any more of your conscious energy. Once you do this, you are again able to choose happiness, because you have retained control of your thoughts.

This is just a simple example of the power of our thoughts and our ability to choose them. Your thoughts control your experiences, but who controls your thoughts? Are you the master of your mental temple or do you give this power away to "circumstances"?

The Dalai Lama says that all men want to be happy. Thomas Jefferson said this pursuit was an "inalienable" (god-given) right. He also said we were created equal and I believe he meant we are all equal in our ability to pursue happiness. Now I have shown you the "simple" path to happiness, and it IS in your control. The ball is in your court! Will you use your power to pursue happiness?