Georgia O'Keeffe: 'One can not be an American by going about saying that one is an American. It is necessary to feel America, like America, love America and then work.'

One can not be an American by going about saying that one is an American. It is necessary to feel America, like America, love America and then work.

The quote by Georgia O'Keeffe, 'One can not be an American by going about saying that one is an American. It is necessary to feel America, like America, love America, and then work,' encapsulates the essence of what it means to truly embody a national identity. O'Keeffe's words suggest that being an American is not simply a matter of declaring one's allegiance, but rather, it requires a deep emotional connection, a genuine appreciation for the values and spirit of the nation, and an active engagement in contributing to its betterment.At first glance, O'Keeffe's assertion seems straightforward, emphasizing the importance of truly experiencing and embracing America rather than paying mere lip service to one's national identity. However, let us delve deeper into an unexpected philosophical concept, the notion of existentialism, to explore the intricacies of this quotation.Existentialism, a philosophical movement popularized in the 20th century, centers around the idea that individuals are responsible for creating their own meaning and purpose in life. This concept, while seemingly unrelated to O'Keeffe's quote, brings a fresh perspective that highlights the importance of personal involvement in defining one's national identity.Existentialism emphasizes the freedom and agency of individuals, emphasizing the need to actively engage with the world to shape one's existence. In the context of O'Keeffe's quote, this notion invites us to not simply passively identify as Americans, but rather to take an active role in feeling, understanding, and loving America. By doing so, we become active participants in the ongoing narrative of our nation, contributing to its growth and progress.The comparison between O'Keeffe's quote and existentialism brings to light an intriguing parallel. Just as existentialism posits that individuals must actively shape their own lives, O'Keeffe suggests that being an American requires active participation beyond superficial identification. To be an American is not a passive state but an ongoing process, demanding continuous effort and investment.Moreover, O'Keeffe's quote emphasizes the necessity of work in the equation of being an American. This concept aligns with existentialist beliefs, where meaningful existence comes from actively engaging in the world and taking responsibility for one's contributions. Work, in the context of O'Keeffe's quote, can be perceived as any effort made towards the betterment of America and its people - whether through civic engagement, artistic expression, or any other form of active involvement that aligns with one's talents and passions.In essence, O'Keeffe's quote challenges us to transcend simplistic notions of national identity and delve deeper into what it truly means to be an American. We are encouraged to move beyond mere proclamations and to actively engage and contribute to the vitality of our nation. O'Keeffe's emphasis on feeling and loving America underlines the significance of an emotional connection, reminding us that love and pride for our country should be genuine and rooted in a deep understanding of its values.By introducing the unexpected philosophical concept of existentialism, we further dissect and analyze the quote, recognizing the shared principles between the quote and the existentialist viewpoint. Existentialism calls for active involvement and personal responsibility, and this echoes O'Keeffe's call for feeling, like, and work towards America. Together, these ideas inspire a more profound exploration of national identity and compel us to transcend complacency, pushing us to contribute actively to a better tomorrow.