On the Nature of Knowledge and Tradition

Many modern humans tend to think of knowledge as a collective treasure that, once achieved, belongs to humanity forever. We often assume that when scientific breakthroughs or moral principles are uncovered, they become a permanent part of our legacy.

But this view is misleading.

Traditions are not mere artifacts to be showcased. They aren’t just for special occasions, they require discipline and practice.

While truth may be timeless, our grasp of it is not. Knowledge can fade when a society stops engaging with it. As America nears its 250th anniversary, it’s essential to realize that merely recalling our traditions isn’t sufficient. To keep them vibrant, we must live them out daily.

Consider ancient Rome, a formidable civilization noted for its technological prowess. The Romans created advanced concrete and engineering methods, enabling them to construct remarkable structures and urban designs.

Even after the fall of Rome, those technologies didn’t vanish overnight. They still existed in some form. But they were forgotten over time as the people who knew how to use them were no longer there to maintain or share that knowledge. The truths behind these technologies remained valid, yet, without a civilization to uphold them, the knowledge dissipated as if it never existed.

People walked among the ruins, living in buildings that couldn’t be replicated or cared for. Without ongoing traditions, science loses its practical significance.

Moral truths are equally vulnerable to this decline.

The Old Testament narrates how Israel cycles through divine revelations only to forget them repeatedly. Nations drift away from divine commandments until a prophet digs up an ancient scroll to remind them of lost wisdom.

In response, the Israelites express remorse and temporarily commit to the truth. Yet, eventually, their practice fades, and the knowledge fades with it.

Even after receiving God’s revelations, Israel, and by extension humanity, failed to uphold divine truths. This is where Christ came as a living embodiment, showcasing the essence of righteous living for all nations to emulate.

As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, honoring tradition is vital but not enough.

Most Americans haven’t thoroughly engaged with the writings of the Founders. Their understanding of our national heritage often comes from watered-down history taught in schools. Numerous events will commemorate this country’s history, but what’s needed is a revival focused on living out these traditions today.

Being sentimental is nice, but it’s not a remedy for a nation.

Today, many Americans, including some conservatives, argue that the First Amendment’s religious freedom implies that Muslims cannot be barred from immigrating and establishing communities based on their beliefs. Moreover, many think Hindus have the same rights to settle and erect statues in the U.S.

This perspective raises concerns.

Prior to the 1840s, long after the Bill of Rights was ratified, states routinely required public officials to be Protestants. Even Catholics were often deemed too foreign for public service. At that time, none of these requirements were seen as violations of religious freedom. The notion that religious liberty means giving Muslims or Hindus dominance over public life is misguided.

Much of the so-called tradition of religious freedom that people claim to honor is fundamentally flawed.

For instance, the Supreme Court’s recent ruling asserts that the Fourteenth Amendment grants birthright citizenship to the children of undocumented immigrants. Originally, this amendment, among others added after the Civil War, clarified the citizenship of freed enslaved persons.

The intent was clear: individuals born into slavery would gain citizenship upon their liberation. This was not meant to include American Indians or others who were later acknowledged through law or policy.

The belief that birthright citizenship for illegal immigrants reflects a proud American tradition is simply untrue. Yet the conservative Supreme Court has formalized this concept in constitutional law.

This situation illustrates what occurs when people inherit language without grasping the practices that lend it meaning. They champion “religious freedom” while neglecting the civilization it seeks to protect. They talk of “equal citizenship” and overlook the specific injustices the Fourteenth Amendment aimed to rectify. They respect the facade while abandoning the essence.

A nation cannot sustain itself by merely commemorating a slogan once a year. True preservation comes from nurturing children, families, communities, and leaders who understand the slogan’s implications when faced with authority, fear, comfort, and trendiness. If not, the Fourth of July becomes a hollow celebration lacking real legacy.

Traditions that aren’t actively practiced merely become pretty decorations. Truth that isn’t defended becomes trivial. Those who forget how to engage with their heritage ultimately become looters in their own historical ruins.

Traditions serve a purpose beyond mere symbolism. They require the cultivation of habits, loyalties, judgments, and practices that cannot simply be put on display.

This weekend, as you gather with family and friends, immerse yourself in festive activities like fireworks and barbecues. They are enjoyable and essential to our culture.

But equally important is the need to delve into the true history and customs of our country and weave them into our everyday lives.

Consider reading foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution with your family. Explore the Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers; reflect on George Washington’s Farewell Address.

The cornerstone is to enact these traditions, fostering a virtuous citizenry that recognizes their necessity for national survival.

This 250th anniversary should symbolize much more than nostalgic reflection. It must be a reinvigoration of our commitment to one another as Americans.