“The great appear great because we are on our knees: Let us rise.”

Great quote on many levels, but turns out Larkin was a commie.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Larkin

1776 or thereabouts we left the kneeling behind and turned things over to our equals who were unquestionably great. In time we created new "greats" because being independent individuals was too hard and we needed someone "great" to help us govern; that is, tell us what to do. Having arisen, we never should have gone to our knees in the first place.

That which was attributed to George Washington (The great thing about the American Christian is he would rather die on his feet than live on his knees.) could have been attributed to the past's other freedom loving remnant. The socialist (on the communist side of the religion) Larkin, here demonstrates the power of religion on the aspiration(s) of the true believer. Jimi Bigbear and Bob Leavitt - well said.

Most great statements made from honest men ! Correct observation !

I'm all for rising!  Let us live up to our God-given nature, as Mike would say, 'noble sovereigns,' masters of our own fate, writers of our own stories, realizing who we really are, not subject to the whims of those that wish to yoke us for their own gain either financial or egotistical.

The truly good are authentically good and have your best interests in their minds and their motivations.