Georgics (Self-Reliance)

Self-Governing Leaders

Liber - Georgics – Virtue - Divine Providence



Georgics (Self-Reliance)

The term "Georgics" suggests a connection to the Greek word meaning “to work the Earth" and comes from the second major work of the Latin poet Virgil. The central theme of that work is that man’s struggle against the hostile natural world can be overcome through hard work. Man earnestly works the land and secures his own future - very similar to the modern idea of the "entrepreneurial spirit" of providing for one's self through preparation and labor. This effort fosters a sense of ownership and independence within individuals as opposed to reliance on a collective group. We often refer to this human quality as "self-reliance." History repeatedly illustrates the tales of two sets of people: those that prepare for upcoming circumstances and those that fall victim to them. In every case, there are those that plan for themselves and their families and by taking personal risk and expending effort toward independence. Then there are others that willfully forfeit liberty for dependence upon others and effectively enslave themselves and their families. Self-reliance is the recurring theme of our “American exceptionalism” - as man’s struggle against the hostile natural world continues to demonstrate that hard work and preparedness conquers all.

Read similar articles...