Did America invent Liberty, Freedom, and Democracy and then exported it to the rest of the world?
I've actually heard this many times, mostly from the young people I deal with. Why do Americans think they invented everything that matters? Or, did they?
well yes i was reading that the concept was invented by Greeks, aka people lump Athenians in there....but that at that stage things were far from our idea of democracy....I'd say Brits have had democracy for ages but was reading it's more like ogliocracy anyway :P
A Parliament is not democracy. it has democratic elements, but that doesn't make it a democracy. Not to mention y'all don't even elect your PM. How is that any more democratic than what we have?
People confuse democracy as a synonym for egalitarian and equality, it isn't. It's majority rule, that's all it is. Democracy and democratic are not the same either. No true democracies exist today.
Of course ADay... And even tho the.question is meant to be humorous, there really is a lot of people who do believe that the United States is somehow exempt from the rest of the world's history. We truly believe that America is morally and practically better, that our people are better, smarter, that our system is better. That we are above the rest of the world's mundane ways, atrocities and injustices. Because, and only because we are Americans. And even though with my head I know that's a ridiculous notion, with my heart id be ready to pounce on anybody who'd dare to dispute our place of betterness. Isn't that weird?
Nobody really invented those concepts. That would be like saying Americans invented civil rights because they brought them into law. Ideas on Democracy, and individual freedoms and duties have been evolving even from before Platos Republic. In relation to the French Revolution. . .it is credited with bringing themes like equality of all before the law, and freedom of thought and religion to the world's forefront. So if we are going to credit someone for the invention of those concepts, maybe it should rightfully be the French. Good point Andy.
The pilgrims came here to find religious freedom and the American revolution was fought to "free" us from taxation without representation by the English. Other countries have freed themselves from monarchies and other forms of oppression, in that way most countries have their own brand freedom we certainly did NOT invent it.
And that was my oblique reference to how some times we have somewhat strong opinions and words without the being informed part. Also, I tried to come up with something clever to rebuke your rebuking, but couldn't. That was a very good and subtle answer. Good answer dear Lucia.
This post was edited by Benedict Arnold at November 26, 2016 10:29 AM MST
We to the best of my knowledge. .. Have not contributed as such in philosophy or the humanities .... bit et have punched above weight in many areas ... dme an aircraft navigation aids used today is Australian. .. and just recently. . The discovery of certain bacteria that is the cause of stomach ulcers ... We're not the best. .. But er do okay :)
Benedict Arnold 