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On this, our 332nd Evolutionary Lens livestream, we discuss America’s 250th birthday. In 1776, both Common Sense and the Declaration of Independence provided self-evident truths that prompted the formation of a new nation. Built on optimism and an entrepreneurial spirit, the United States of America is fracturing along political lines, each side incapable of seeing the humanity of people who believe different things from themselves. In those 250 year old documents we see implicit recognition of trade-offs, game theory and emergence—all of which are just as fundamental now as they were then. As part of this discussion we cover patriotism, antifa, dual vs hierarchical loyalties, Trump, the World Cup, and taking advantage of breaks.

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Music: "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan
This track can be downloaded for free at www.wintergatan.net
Free License to use this track in your video can be downloaded at www.wintergatan.net

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Mentioned in this episode:

Common Sense: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/147/147-h/147-h.htm

Declaration of Independence: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript

Harper’s: https://harpers.org/archive/2026/07/happy-fucking-birthday-christopher-hooks-semiquincentennial/

Musings with Chloé Simone: https://substack.com/@chloesimmone/p-203727669

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Timestamps:

00:00:00 Gratitude for Being an American
00:02:27 Sponsor: Timeline
00:04:18 Sponsor: ARMRA Colostrum
00:06:07 Sponsor: Helix
00:08:49 1776 Common Sense
00:31:46 1776 The Declaration of Independence
00:53:43 Patriotism
01:16:37 Washington State & the Great American State Fair
01:28:20 Happy Birthday America?
01:32:47 World Cup Enthusiasm for America
01:46:33 Know how to play on the breaks.
01:51:25 Do What Needs to Be Done & Create Joy!
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4VQA05XgY0