What book are you reading right now?

I recently began reading 50 Core American Documents edited by Christopher Burkett, and though I’m only at the start, I already feel a deep connection to its pages. Some of the material feels like revisiting old friends, as I had the privilege of studying American history during a semester at the University of Hawai’i. But this book isn’t just a reminder—it’s a new lens through which to see the foundation of the United States and the minds that shaped this exceptional nation.

Why read this collection? For me, it’s simple: I love the United States. I see America as the greatest idea humanity has ever conceived—a nation born from revolutionary principles of liberty, equality, and self-governance. Through these documents, I aim to immerse myself in the thoughts, debates, and ideals that created a beacon of freedom and opportunity for the world.

America’s greatness lies in its unique story. The Declaration of Independence boldly proclaimed that all men are created equal, setting a revolutionary precedent. The U.S. Constitution followed, forming the world’s longest-standing written charter of government. Over time, this framework weathered crises that tested its resilience, from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. Leaders like Abraham Lincoln, whose speeches I deeply admire, showed how America’s ideals could evolve and expand to encompass more people and freedoms.

The entrepreneurial spirit here has also made America a land of innovation. It’s where electricity lit the world, flight became possible, and the Internet was born. Politically, the nation’s system of checks and balances ensures the pursuit of justice and accountability, while its cultural diversity celebrates the contributions of immigrants and indigenous peoples alike.

As I continue reading, I hope to better understand the ideas and sacrifices behind this exceptional experiment in democracy. These documents don’t just recount history; they’re living conversations that remind us of America’s responsibility to uphold its founding ideals.

One of the pieces I’m most looking forward to revisiting is Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. It is, without question, one of my favorite American works. In just a few sentences, Lincoln captured the very essence of what makes this country extraordinary: a government of the people, by the people, for the people. For me, it’s not just a speech—it’s a call to honor the sacrifices of the past by building a more just and free future. As I delve further into this book, I carry those words with me, inspired to learn, reflect, and perhaps contribute to this ongoing story in my own way.