“I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy.”
– John Adams
Welcome to July’s “Mysteries of the Mind” monthly newsletter!
“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.” -John Adams
Certainly on July 2nd representatives decided that the colonies would separate from England and be united (verb) States (still independent) of America (the continent) and stand together against the English monarch.
But, they still had many years to go before the creation of a people known as “THE United States of America” (singular).
July 4th 1776 a copy of the Declaration of Independence written by Jefferson, edited by Adams and Franklin and polished by the rest was read outside of the Pennsylvania State House (Independence hall) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
I keep a reproduction on parchment from Independence Square that hangs on my bedroom wall; I look at it every day that I’m in Vegas. It inspires me. Within the leadership, vision, courage and passion of those men we can still learn many lessons that are applicable today. In my corporate lectures, I often use their stories to educate modern managers about change management, corporate culture leadership and individual accountability.
On July 19th 1776 Congress ordered all members sign the Declaration of Independence.
By August 2nd 1776 all but 5 had signed.
Thomas McKean was the final signer; he didn’t add his John Handcock (see what I did there) to the final document until 1781, over 5 years later.
After the declaration was signed, there were still 7 years of battle and smallpox outbreaks to overcome before the end of the Revolutionary War. This was followed by 4-5 years of civil unrest (and several Presidents of these United States – who came before Washington) until the current Constitution was passed in 1787.
However, not everyone agreed. North Carolina didn’t agree to the current constitution until almost a year later and Rhode Island took almost a year and a half after everyone else to join in 1790.
So once the constitution was signed, were these states unified as one nation speaking as one unified voice? No, in 1864 the phrase “United States” was still treated as plural “the United States are”. It didn’t become common to treat it as singular, “the United States is ” until after the end of the Civil War in 1865 almost 90 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
So many lessons in leadership to be learned! Communication, Motivation and Change.
If you work for a company that has sales meetings, corporate retreats, annual trainings etc. – Let whoever organizesthem know about my website www.anthropologyoffice.com . (Probably the VP of HR or the Dir. of Marketing).
It would be fun to bring these interactive sessions & shows to your group. (If you want it to be anonymous, private message me with their contact and either I or one of my managers will “cold call” and follow up)
Looking forward to spending time with you in your city.
Thank you for being my friend.
Your friend,
-Paul Draper
paul@mentalmysteries.com
801-541-2976
Websites:
www.MentalMysteries.com
www.MentalMystery.com (agent friendly site)
www.helpinghospitalsheal.com
www.AnthropologyOffice.com
“Let us tenderly and kindly cherish, therefore, the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write.”
– John Adams
My first regional commercial!
My first regional commercial! Union Wireless Cellular uses a little magic to talk about Mystery Fees. UW is the premier telecommunications provider in the Rocky Mountain region and #1 in Yellowstone National Park.
This is the first in a series. More to come next month.
Vegas Mentalist / Magician responds to the New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg Soda Ban.
Come to Vegas and enjoy the freedom to drink all of the soda you want!
