America’s Most Enduring Belief Is Also One of Its Most Dangerous

The deaths of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams on the fourth of July in 1826 didn't just mark a historical coincidence but solidified the notion that the United States had a divine purpose. This idea, deeply rooted in the country's early history, has had lasting implications, fostering a sense of exceptionalism that often overlooks critical self-reflection. While it has inspired patriotism, it also poses risks by potentially justifying actions that might otherwise be seen as morally questionable if framed as fulfilling a divine mission. This belief's endurance underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of America's role in the world today.