CBS 2 School: E Pluribus Unum
Blame the transcendentalists. Self-reliance is overrated.
America was born with a purpose on its mind. Listening to John Winthrop aboard the Arbella in 1630 we would have heard him say, "And we shall be like a city upon a hill…" How is that for building expectations?
This became another strong narrative in American government and politics. America was purpose driven. You can see it in our early mottos.
"E Pluribus Unum" was the motto proposed for the first Great Seal of the United States by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson in 1776. A Latin phrase meaning "One from many," the phrase offered a strong statement of the American determination to form a single nation from a collection of states.
Over the years, "E Pluribus Unum" has also served as a reminder of America's bold attempt to make one unified nation of people from many different backgrounds and beliefs. The challenge of seeking unity while respecting diversity has played a critical role in shaping our history, our literature, and our national character.
Other mottos were considered. Some of them continue to be used. For instance, early on in our history our leaders liked Annuit Coeptis. This Latin phrase meant, "Providence has favored our undertakings." Others preferred Novus Ordo Seclorum. This Latin phrase meant "a new order of the ages."
Thankfully our first colonial motto was rejected. Exitus in Dubio Est – "the outcome is in doubt." Though today one wonders if this would not be a better motto. The American spirit seems bruised. Our enemy is not from without it is from within.
Our pluribus is showing.
Lincoln was a wordsmith we could always count on. His command of rhetoric and inspiration made him president. But he was more than words. He ultimately led us through the most difficult time in our history. While facing one of his challenges, Lincoln wrote: "If we could first know where we are and whither we are tending, we could better judge what to do."
We have an unum shortage.
President Bush promised to deliver but he could not.
President Obama built his whole campaign on bringing America back together. So far he has not either.
One of the grand narratives in American government and politics has been the ability of the people here to share a vision for the future. We choose to commit to that vision by working together despite our differences.
What is the motto?
It is time to return to E Pluribus Unum.
