What we can learn from The Declaration of Independence about the art and craft of structured problem solving.
This past weekend, as our nation celebrated the 4th of July, I took time to reread the Declaration of Independence. The document contains the most famous and precious words in American history, and arguably the finest articulation of the idea of natural rights ever written: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
I have long marveled at the beauty and power of the Declaration, and been fascinated by Thomas Jefferson, its principal author. This document provides a good example of 3 key management practice learning objectives: 1. Persuasive communication 2. Successful, real-world, problem solving and 3. An incitement to action.
1. Making the Case Through Persuasive Communication
In the spring of 1776 Jefferson devoted much effort surveying the opinions of his countrymen to get their thoughts on American independence. He told one correspondent that he, “took great pains to enquire into the sentiments of the people on that head. In the upper counties I think I may safely say that nine out of ten are for it.” In terms of American political history, Jefferson was among the first to generate data from a survey of public opinion.
The ideas of freedom and liberty, which define the central themes of the emerging American republic, were commonplace in conversations, sermons, letters, and printed essays of the times. In drafting the declaration Thomas Jefferson said that his purpose was, “not aiming at originality of principle or sentiment.” Rather his intent was to, “place before mankind the common sense of the subject,” and to offer, “an expression of the American mind, and to give to that expression the proper tone and spirit called for by the occasion.”
Drawing upon the philosophers of the Scottish Enlightenment, Jefferson built his case on a contract between government and the governed that was founded on the consent of the people. Both poetic and practical, his arguments are grounded in the context of a story. The effect is a compelling narrative, even a romantic version of reality, which helped create an American identity.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the document is the logical force and rational power of the arguments it presents, the most notable of which is the notion of self-evident Truths − Truths that are self evident by reason and definition and based upon assertions of reality. (The angles of a triangle equal 180 degrees)
Great writing commands respect. The Declaration is an excellent example of persuasive, evidenced based logic that shaped the course of history. Thomas Jefferson took the current American political ideas and put them into a form that the Colonists could read, appreciate, and understand. With the power of the pen, he articulated a new principle for the government of humanity: all men are created equal. He also ensured that from the beginning, the United States of America would be a nation based on the principles of rational thought.
2. Creating Value through Real World Problem Solving
While Jefferson’s skill and abilities as a thinker and a writer were remarkable, he also possessed another important quality: the power to analyze a historical situation in depth, to propose a course of action, and shape the minds of the decision makers and legislative assemblies. The bulk of the declaration contains a list of charges condemning the actions of King George III, while creating sympathy for the American cause.
The main problems were subjecting the colonies to laws without representation and the increasing tyrannical abuses from the English system of monarchy. Jefferson provided a solution by focusing his structure on two important themes. The first was the concept of individual rights: ‘The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time: the hand of force may destroy, but cannot enjoin them.’ Second, and equally important, was placing these rights within the context of popularly sovereignty, or the right of a nation to govern itself.
It was Jefferson’s ability to link the right to self government with liberty, both rooted in a Divine plan, and further legitimized by ancient practice and English tradition, which gave the colonists such a strong , clear, and compelling case for action. All of this led to a momentous decision. The struggle they faced was a daunting one.
3. The Call to Effective Action
With forceful logic, evidence, and a sense of urgency, the declaration details the reasons the American colonists had to declare themselves independent, given their mistreatment at the hands of the British. Implementing these ideals would prove to be enormously challenging. And, of course, England did not recognize or grant authority to the Declaration of Independence, and it would take a war of seven years to give validity and meaning to our founding document, but Jefferson’s efforts were essential for defining and legitimizing the new nation. With persuasive written communication, a logical framework for understanding the problem, and by proposing a justifiable course of action, he won the hearts and the minds of the American people.
Great events in history are determined from all kinds of varied and complex factors, but the single most important one is always the quality of the people in charge. It all comes down to leadership. Two hundred and thirty-eight years ago our founding fathers made the sacrifices necessary to create the freedoms that we enjoy today. With the English language they gave voice to the unspoken hopes and aspirations of people everywhere. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, it was “the miracle of human affairs,” one that would result in “the greatest revolution the world ever saw.”
Full text of the document: http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/declare.asp
Sources that were used in the composition of this post:
Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Jon Meacham 2012. Random House. New York
The Road To Monticello: The Life and Mind of Thomas Jefferson by Kevin J. Hayes. 2008. Oxford University Press.
American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson by Joseph J. Ellis 1996. Random House. New York
A History of the American People by Paul Johnson 1997. Harper Perennial. New York
Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Issacson. Simon & Schuster. 2003. New York
