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National Constitution Center just released their interactive Declaration of Independence, to match their interactive US Constitution. So many people are claiming these documents, but few people take the time to read and understand them. These free educational resources are brilliant, and, if you ever find yourself in Philadelphia, be sure to visit the museum. It is a truly inspiring space. https://constitutioncenter.org/declaration

I read six books in August. Three physical books and three audiobooks. August was a month of unique reads but I enjoyed most of them. I‘ll consider that a success.

Full wrap up: https://wildwoodreads.com/2025/09/02/august-2025-wrap-up/

Overall, this was a very interesting and informative book. Some parts could be a little dry, but quite a bit still provided interesting commentary. It was also interesting in presenting an outsider's perspective on American culture, government, and society. Overall, would recommend.

"Despotism, which is of a very timorous nature, is never more secure of continuance than when it can keep men asunder; and all its influence is commonly exerted for that purpose. No vice of the human heart is so acceptable to it as egotism; a despot easily forgives his subjects for not loving him, provided they do not love each other."
-Alexis de Tocqueville, "Democracy in America"

#JulyJazz Patriot. Some Gave All by Billy Ray Cyrus @Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

"Educate, then, at any rate; for the age of implicit self-sacrifice and instinctive virtues is already flitting far away from us, and the time is fast approaching when freedom, public peace, and social order itself will not be able to exist without education."
-Alexis de Tocqueville, "Democracy in America"

"There is a great difference between doing what one does not approve and feigning to approve what one does; the one is the necessary case of a week person, the other befits the temper of a lackey."
-Alexis de Tocqueville, "Democracy in America"

I read it cover to cover, but good reference book. I would have liked maps, there were none. State of the Art, Tourist Information, and Road Trip sidebars were unnecessary as well as Canadian provinces. I now most want to visit Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Washington, and Hawaii. I knew I already wanted to see Washington.

"In absolute governments the great nobles who are nearest to the throne flatter the passions of the sovereign, and voluntarily truckle to his caprices. But the mass of the nation does not degrade itself by servitude: it often submits from weakness, from habit, or from ignorance, and sometimes from loyalty."
-Alexis de Tocqueville, "Democracy in America"