I do not choose to be a common man by Thomas Paine

I do not choose to be a common man by Thomas Paine

I do not choose to be a common man,
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, with God’s help, I have done