"The foundation of our empire was not
laid in the gloomy age of Ignorance and Superstition, but at an Epocha when the rights of
mankind were better understood and more clearly defined, than at any former period;
the researches of the human mind, after social happiness, have been carried to a great
extent;
the Treasures of knowledge, acquired through a long succession of years, by the labours of
Philosophers, Sages and Legislatures, are laid open for our use, and their collected
wisdom may be happily applied in the Establishment of our forms of Government;
the free cultivation of Letters, the unbounded extension of Commerce, the progressive
refinement of manners, the growing liberality of sentiment, and above all, the pure and
benign light of Revelation, have had a meliorating influence on mankind and increased the
blessings of Society.
At this auspicious period, the United States came into being as a Nation, and if their
Citizens should not be completely free and happy, the fault will be entirely their
own."
— George Washington
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