An Inspirational Piece

Today I am giving a graduation present to a high school graduate. Instead of a typical greeting card I chose a blank card with this piece on the cover. I bought this card over fifteen years ago while still single, I believed it then and I believe it now. It's been sitting in my greeting card box waiting to be used.  I just didn't have anyone to give it to who would appreciate it until today. This politically active and savvy young man thinks along these lines and I know he will love it. I'm glad I found a good fit for this card after all these years.

My Creed
by Dean Alfange


I do not choose to be a common man.

It is my right to be uncommon—if I can. I seek opportunity—not security.

I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.

I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed.

I refuse to barter incentive for a dole.

I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia.

I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout.

I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.

It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations, and to face the world boldly and say, this I have done.

All this is what it means to be an American.

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ATTRIBUTION: DEAN ALFANGE, creed.—Who’s Who in America, 1984–85, vol. 1, p. 42. These words have appeared at the end of his entry in several successive editions.

Originally published in This Week Magazine. Later reprinted in The Reader’s Digest, October 1952, p. 10, and January 1954, p. 122, lacking these words: “I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat” and “to stand erect, proud and unafraid.”