Module 7 Part 1 & 2

 Part 1

In what ways do you see Enlightenment ideals expressing themselves in this foundational document of American government? 

Here are a few of the ideals I found to be important regarding self-expression written no paper to follow by the American citizens:

For me, the Declaration of Independence speaks not only to a collective, a nation, but it also speaks directly to one person, you and I. It speaks specifically of the tyrannical deeds and actions of a British King towards the colonies. But more importantly, it speaks to me and you. To understand that WE as individuals have rights, and a voice to be heard in written word supporting each and every one of us is something that is very personal. This strikes me to the core of who I am... not where I am from, or where did my family comes from (because all of our families and not from this land unless we are Native American). 

Here are some ideals that are important to me:

"That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government"

"all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

People sometimes speak of “the American experiment” in what way does this term reflect Enlightenment ideals that are core to what it means to be “America”?

Being an America is self-actualizing that YOU, I have our very own and independent choice in life. To be United with others forming states, having a voice as to government control, to choose a collective manner of positive life is a VERY selfish but needed way to form our mindset for being an American. Are we entitled, YES WE ARE!  But in a positive way. We all work hard, make sacrifices, and just want to have the choice of the type of life we can live harmoniously. 

Is this a large order to fill, YES IT IS!  We are introducing thousands of new souls into this collective we call America. Must we incorporate all of the different cultures, traditions, and ways of thinking to uphold the Declaration of Independence? Yes, we do.  As you can read, there is no expiration date on the document, which means that we are to continue to fulfill our forefather's ideals.

For me, taking action is the underlying subject of this document. Knowing that if something is NOT right, that we can ACT and change it for the better of the collective. Knowing that each human is addressed as a person, that we all have rights, and that we all must defend our rights as a whole strengthens the masses.

Here are some motivating and sincere words that we all should take to heart:

"when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

"That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown"

"as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do."

Part 2

Speaking about forward-thinking and being Modern, these foundresses might have come from different and diverse backgrounds and upbringing which complimented their overall goal to help those in need and care for the ill of this time period. Even though they came from different backgrounds, the trials, and tribulations of the French Revolution brought them together to continue the work of educating and helping those less fortunate. One from humble beginnings with physical limitations and the other, the daughter of aristocrats brought down by peasant revolution.

These unfortunate historical accounts brought these two women together who had the same idea of helping others to be brought together and form a kinship that built the foundation of a soon to be order to helps those in need.

"Over the course of the next ten years, this unique sense of mission gradually crystallized into the founding principles of a new order of nuns, the Sisters of Notre Dame, established by Julie and Francoise together on February 2, 1804."

Francoise Blin de Bourdon came from a well-to-do family (landowners). She was raised with a higher standard of living compared to most. Not quite a Noble but definitely lived life of an aristocrat. She was sent to smaller private school institutions for her studies. Her grandmother and she used to bring food and medicine to the workers on the family's land. This and many other actions from eh Bourbon family to their laborers were not unnoticed, in fact, the workers or peasants of these lands worked hard and showed gratitude to the owners and the way they were treated. Even with so many opportunities and luxuries available, Francoise preferred a humble life, a simpler and quieter form of service to all people.

Her father was forward-thinking and an avid reader of Voltaire and cared for his peasants with dignity, but peasants they were to him, not equal.

“learned to taste the pleasure of giving, and to realise the value of personal service”

"A woman who did not want to marry, whether due to preferences of gender, lifestyle, general independence or any other reason", "emphasizing both virginity as an active choice and worldly service to others as guiding principles for the women called to join"

Julie Billiart came from a humble and simple family upbringing. A thatched-roof and members of the Third-Estate (lowest in the class system) at the time in France. Her father was a shop owner who was able to afford a higher means of life for the family. In fact, they were able to afford Julie to have an education. Her father strived to educate his daughter and She (Julie) from a young age worked hard to help educate those less fortunate.

Julie was a simple girl with physical aliments which limited her mobility. This mobility was superseded by the love of the child she has helped train and educate. 

"Universal secular education was one of the aims of the French philosophes and a topic for philosophical debate by enlightened thinkers."

"Education, for enlightend thinkers of the time, was seen as the key to expanding an individual’s opportunities and creating a more just and equal society."

"This passion for educating poor children would become a common theme and one of the most consistent guiding principles for the duration of Julie’s life. "