Darby Rural

What do we mean by Rural Life

Why is rural life so important?

“The boundless and unhindered territory of the American continent plays a primary role in the make up of both the pioneer spirit and the capacity for democracy.” - Alexis de Tocqueville.  

The desire for freedom and independence is fostered in large part by the land. True prosperity and independence go hand in hand. When people are able to live free and required by that freedom to make their own way, they recognize the needs of their nation from a more pragmatic standpoint. As they gather in closer proximity, selfishness and a mentality that requires support from an outside source begins to take root and overwhelm independent practical thinking.  The mob mentality creates an “Us against Them” (people against the government) perspective rather than a “we are them” approach. As concentrations of the population necessitate more and more representation and provision by government, there is less and less responsibility left for the people.
Rural life encourages personal responsibility; for family, for health, for property, for community, for country. People who are intent on freedom and responsibility are usually aware that the two go hand in hand.  They gravitate toward situations that promote them. Rural living is just such a situation. One must be more responsible if his slice of territory is large.  He must plan and carry out the development of his homestead by his own labor and determination.  He must stand on his own to provide for and protect his family.  He must support and be supported by his neighbors and does not expect to be supported by those who do not share ownership of his community.  Land and Freedom have been associated with responsibility and independence throughout history.  We hope they always will be and will strive to protect their availability and importance to our neighbors.

That is what we mean by rural life.