Declaration of Interdependence
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“I found your book unputdownable. You have distilled a lifetime's experiences and wisdom into a book for all time and I am truly interdependent with you as a result.
It is a fascinating journey, looking into the rear view mirror while still driving...Thank you so much for this endearing and enriching gift.” —Edward Broadbridge |
The Declaration of Independence is, in reality, a "Declaration of Interdependence." We are dependent on each other to maintain a democracy where we can pursue happiness, liberty, and inalienable rights. It is up to us to appreciate, celebrate, and protect equality. Without equality, there is no democracy. And how we would miss it! Have courage! Our present situation will not last.
The book is divided into three parts. Part I includes 16 "real-life" stories about experiencing inequity and facing racial, gender, religious, ethnic, social, and financial prejudices. Part II discusses principles of leading a happy fulfilled life as identified by Danish philosopher N.F.S. Grundtvig, which are accessible to all regardless of their backgrounds. Grundtvigian folk schools around the world illustrate personal empowerment, including significant contributions to civil rights in the United States. Part III explores equality, interdependence, and truth through prose poetry. At this moment, as concerns about potential threats to democracy arise, we may face increasing challenges to equality. Let us find the courage to stand strong. Now is the time to reflect on and uphold the true meaning of equality, safeguarding our inalienable rights. Together, we have the power to make a difference. Review by Harold S. Riter
"In an age when the reading of books is fast falling to the snappy trend of skimming on Facebook or picking up tidbits online, actually holding a book in one’s hands on which the words of an author, words containing thought or values, or even a plot, is still a welcome privilege to me. One must be careful in reading the title. Note that the keywords is Interdependence. Many may read this as the Declaration of Independence, but there is a subtle, and important difference. Joy Ibsen has put down her thoughts and conclusions, based largely on the philosophy of a Danish clergyman/philosopher, Nikolai F.S. Grundtvig (1783-1872}. Right from the beginning, Ms. Ibsen sets up a comparison between the immortal document that led to the founding of our nation and her unique elaboration of its meaning today: 'We hold these truths to be self evident, that all human beings are created equal without regard to race, gender, ethnicity, social position, financial status, handicap or other identifying group characteristics; all human beings are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, which among them are the right to live fully, freely and in pursuit of true happiness.' In adding the above specifics to our own Declaration of Independence, Ms. Ibsen has simply made clear what should be our purpose as a nation; to live in a country that guarantees that all can live fully, freely and seek to find true happiness. Whether we wish to admit it or not, we are all dependent on one another to achieve the above goal. We must realize that we depend on each other as members of the human race, for strength, knowledge, love, help and eventually finding true meaning in our lives. In short, to have real independence, we must recognize that we are dependent on each other. What is happiness? Is it financial worth? Is it having many possessions? Can we deduce that the happiest people in the world are also the wealthiest? Ms. Ibsen accurately points out that the endless pursuit of material goods or money simply promotes more greed rather than long term happiness. More is never enough! We can never get enough of that which we don’t really need. This book, The Declaration of Interdependence is about living together in the same world and seeking the common good for all. Right away there are some who will cry “Socialism!” Unfortunately, this branding of a desire to see a common good is what has brought about three of the events that shattered the traditional American dream. First, COVID-19 killed over a million people in the United States (over 6 million world-wide) while world leaders simply could not let down their guards long enough to work together to combat the pandemic. Secondly, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine set off a series of events that has caused the rise in fuel and food prices nearly everywhere. Thirdly, an insurrection at the US Capitol fermented by the refusal of the defeated incumbent President in the November 2020 election to accept gracefully that defeat. This showed how fragile a democracy based on what’s good for corporate wealth really is. These events have brought about strife and mounting division in our country and in our world. Ms. Ibsen carefully leads the reader to a conclusion that may be the only logical recourse for humanity; a recognition that word circumstances compel us to be dependent on one another, or to perish as a species. This book is an easy read though it will require some thought to get around the “corners.” —Harold S. Riter, “Ontonagon Herald”, Ontonagon MI, 8/2023 |