The Freeman 1972 - The Ludwig von Mises Institute

418 THE FREEMAN Julyhend the ideal, let alone realize it,but we can everlastingly strive forthis purity in thought. Be certainof this: the nearer we come toknowing and upholding the ideal,the greater is the probability thatthe good society may emerge.Why? Because men can establishthe good society only upon what isright and true. Upon that alone,and nothing else!Fungus may be spawned by amuck heap; but the good societyis the emergence and flowering ofthe best there is in thoughtfulmeditation. The best flows alwaysfrom one - the one who comesnearest to being the perfect exemplar.Viewed in this manner,the so-called problems of societybreak down to a level a personmight comprehend. One's duty isnot to fall in step with present imperfectionsbut, rather, to strivefor his own perfection. Uponwhom, then, does the solution depend?Upon the world's most importantperson: YOU! f)The Personal Practice of FreedomIDEAS ONL$LIBERTYFREEDOM RESTS, and always will, on individual responsibility,individual integrity, individual effort, individual courage, andindividual religious faith. It does not rest in Washington. It restswith you and me.Two things you and I can do, and two only. First, we can practicewhat we profess. Second, we can each preach, from our ownpersonal pulpit, the principles we practice, whether that pulpitlooks out upon a continent, a country town, or a single cottage.As we thus prove our faith by our works - as we accept withdiligence and devotion the responsibility for areas within ourreach - as we inspire those about us and send them in turn toinspire others - we shall find that we are making an ever-increasingcontribution to the accomplishment of our century's mostchallenging job.Over and above all else we shall find - you and I, individuallythatours have become unconquerable souls.ED LIPSCOMB