Forward Together: Choosing Curiosity, Character, and Community

Michael Bare | The Juanita C. Grant Foundation • July 14, 2026
Woman in glasses working on a laptop, taking notes at a wooden table in a home office.

In commemorating America's 250th anniversary, we have an opportunity not only to celebrate our nation's achievements but also to reflect honestly on where we are and where we hope to go together. Our greatest strength has always been our enduring ideals. Whether we look to the Declaration of Independence's vision of liberty, equality, and government by the consent of the governed, or to the Constitution's framework of separated powers, federalism, and the Bill of Rights, these principles continue to inspire people around the world. They remain a foundation worth strengthening for future generations.


Our democracy faces challenges that test our commitment to those ideals. One is increasing polarization, where disagreement too often becomes division, making it harder to listen with curiosity, seek common ground, and solve problems together. Another is the rapid pace of today's digital world, where constant streams of information can discourage thoughtful reflection and meaningful dialogue. A third challenge is the gradual decline of deep reading and lifelong learning—habits that help us evaluate ideas carefully, understand differing perspectives, and make informed decisions rather than simply reacting to headlines or social media.


America's founders envisioned citizens who are independent thinkers, engaging with thoughtful ideas, and participate responsibly in civic life. While our nation has continued to evolve toward a broader and more inclusive understanding of democracy, that expectation remains relevant today. Healthy communities depend on people who are willing to learn, ask questions, listen respectfully, and remain open to growth throughout their lives.


The phrase "the pursuit of happiness" has often been understood as the pursuit of personal fulfillment, but for many of the nation's early thinkers it also reflected a lifelong commitment to developing character, wisdom, and responsibility. It was about cultivating qualities such as courage, prudence, justice, and self-discipline—recognizing that personal growth contributes to the well-being of families, neighborhoods, and communities.



So, what can business leaders do to build on America's strengths and counteract its weaknesses? I can share my own experience. During COVID, I spent a year following Thomas Jefferson's demanding schedule, getting up early to read moral philosophy for two hours. That experience changed my daily habits and got me back into the habit of deep reading, which I had lost to my screen addiction.

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Now, I have a new rule: when I wake up, I must read a book for at least half an hour before I can browse or check email. It has been transformative. It has provided the space to write my Hamilton-Jefferson book, inspired new creative work, and reinforced the simple but powerful habit of learning something new each day—a practice that continues to enrich both my personal growth and my connection to others. 

It's a gift.



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