The Uncommon Man


I do not choose to be a common man.220px-Dean_Alfange_1922
It is my right to be uncommon … if I can.
I seek opportunity … not security.
I do not wish to be a kept citizen,
Humbled and dulled by having the State look after me.
I want to take the calculated risk,
To dream and to build. To fail and to succeed.
I refuse to barter incentive for a dole;
I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence;
The thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of Utopia.
I will not trade freedom for beneficence
Nor my dignity for a handout
I will never cower before any master
Nor bend to any threat.
It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid;
To think and act for myself,
To enjoy the benefit of my creations
And to face the world boldly and say:
This, I have done.

Dean Alfange, first published in “This Week” magazine, in 1952.

Editor’s Comments

Also known as the “Entrepreneur’s Credo” or “My Creed”, this prose is often erroneously attributed to Tomas Paine, as an excerpt of “Common Sense”, written in 1776.  However, this passage is not to be found in “Common Sense”.  Interesting to note that this passage is as relevant today as it was when written.  It is also a strong political statement against government regulation and social policies which appear to be sensible in theory and mostly come up short in reality.  More information on Dean Alfange can be found on Wikipedia.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *