The Declaration of Independence says: “…all men are created equal.”

Common sense would tell us that everyone is not equal. Some are short; some tall; some are skinny; some obese; some have athletic skills, while some have artistic skills; some have money and fine homes. Some don’t have much of anything. The list is endless

The writers of the Declaration were not referring to individual equality, but to the American Colonies as a group of people who had the same rights as other nations to self-government.

The writers went on to say that we do have three basic rights: “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Unfortunately, life is tenuous and often uncertain. Even though we have the right to Life, many lives are taken by illness, abortion, crime, war, and accidents. Our Liberty can be lost through criminal imprisonment, or by an authoritarian government–while happiness can be illusive to those who are mentally ill, living in poverty, or abused.

Regardless of what life throws at us, most of us do exercise our right to pursue happiness. However, we often forget that happiness is not guaranteed–only the right to pursue it. It is up to us to obtain our happiness through responsible decisions and effort.

As Lewis Schwellenbach noted: “Every right has its responsibilities.”

That is why one of the greatest dangers in our pursuit of happiness is the attitude that the government should provide everything for everybody, and that those who are rich should have to support those who are poor.

When a sense of entitlement to another person’s labor pervades a society, individual effort, hard work, perseverance, motivation -and individual responsibility– lose value. When one is entitled, there is no need to expend effort to succeed.

The idea of mandatory distribution of wealth should be offensive to every American. If a man works 60-80 hours a week, takes risks with his own money and time, and is knowledgeable enough to amass a fortune, he or she should never be forced to give this wealth to someone else who refuses to stay in school, never goes to work on time, uses illegal drugs, or quits an 8-hour job because it is “too hard.” At the same time, the rich should be taxed fairly like everyone else.

Warren Buffett, Bill and Melinda Gates, George Soros, Mackenzie Scott, and other philanthropists have set an example for the sharing of wealth on a voluntary basis.

There are vulnerable segments of the population that need–and should receive help–such as children, the elderly, and the handicapped. However able-bodied and mobile adults should be responsible for their own lives.

As Paul, the Apostle, said: “…If any would not work, neither should he eat.” KJV 2 Thessalonians 3:10 

Caring, compassion, and giving tor others is a wonderful thing except when it cripples the ability of individuals to take care of themselves. The American spirit of giving has led to welfare programs that have gotten out of hand–dampening individual desire to provide for oneself although able to do so.

As Americans, we should expect individuals to rise to the top when they do the work to get there. Unfortunately, when a government subsidizes inefficiency, laziness, and lack of motivation, it weakens the whole house. As James Madison pointed out: “Charity is no part of the legislative duty of the government.”

And as William J. H. Boetcker wrote: “You can not help people permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.”

Patsy Neal received a master’s degree from the University of Utah and has had several articles, books, and op-eds published, as well as receiving four Freedom Foundation Awards for Essays.