# American In(ter)dependence By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2023-07-04 The Fourth of July is a great time to reflect on our independence. Americans often claim that our country is the land of the free. Collectively, we take our freedoms and independence seriously. Whereas both our independence from Britain and our personal freedoms are worthy of focus and celebration, it is easy to miss the importance of our interdependence. We are an independent country in a collective world; we are free individuals in various organizations. We are both staunchly independent and radically interdependent. There is tension in being self-reliant and collaborative, able to go alone and yet deciding to collaborate. Our freedom and independence do not mean we must choose to be alone. Rather, we can authentically connect and cultivate the interdependencies that best enrich our existence through them. It is an obvious paradox that most communities celebrate our independence together. This July 4th, let’s celebrate our essential in(ter)dependence. #### Related Items [[American]] [[Freedom]] [[Relationships]] [[Authenticity]] [[Paradox]] [[Individuals]] [[Collection]]