The Freedom of Individual Character
By Channing
No process is so fatal as that which would cast all men in one mold. Every human being is intended to have a character of his own, to be what no other is, to do what no other can do. Our common nature is to be unfolded in unbounded diversities. It is rich enough for infinite manifestations. It is to wear innumerable forms of beauty and glory. Every human being has a work to carry on within, duties to perform abroad, influences to exert, which are peculiarly his, and which no other conscience but his own can teach. Let him not enslave his conscience to others, but act with the freedom, strength, and dignity of one whose highest law is in his own breast.—Channing.