We interrupt our storytelling to bring you this holiday message.
A version of this quote is attributed to founding father Benjamin Franklin, who said, “The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.”
If we’re splitting hairs, the U.S. Constitution does not explicitly call out citizens’ right to pursue happiness, but the Declaration of Independence that we celebrate today and which was signed by Mr. Franklin as a representative of Pennsylvania, did describe life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as unalienable rights.
I changed “you” to “we” in Franklin’s last line because I think catching happiness is better achieved in community rather than by oneself.
May you find yourself among other happy revelers today. Happy Independence Day!
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Tomorrow: If you think choosing paint was a trick, try trim. Read about it here.