What is my wisdom, if even the fools can dictate to me.

What is my freedom, if all creatures, even the botched and corrupt, are my masters.

What is my life, if I am but to bow, to agree and to obey.

The earth is the centre of the universe, or maybe just a speck of dust in eternity.

I do not know and do not care.

I am not a tool for others, or a servant for anyone else’s means.

I am not a bandage. I am not a sacrifice on their altars.

I am a man.

This is my miracle, gifted to me by God.

It is mine to own, to care for, and to protect.

Mine.

I do not surrender my treasures, nor must I share them.

You cannot reduce my spirit to metal coins, and colored paper.

I owe nothing to no one, nor do I gather debts.

None live for me, and I shall not live for others.

My soul is mine and theirs is theirs.

I am neither friend nor foe;

Each brother can earn my honour by doing more than just being born

Each brother can feel my wrath, if he intrudes on my freedom to live peacefully

I have friends, but neither are slaves nor masters.

I shall love and respect, but neither command or obey.

We may join hands, but also walk alone if we desire.

The I comes before the We.