In ancient Rome, the title “citizen” held a prestige perhaps more significant than some would give it today. There were clear privileges that came with this title, including the right to vote, the right to marry other Roman citizens, and to have children who were also seen as citizens. For those who were not born citizens, however, it could be a very difficult title to earn, including, for example, years of military service. For these men, the title “citizen” could hold great significance.
Perhaps the rich history of this title, then, helps to explain why we can think of a good citizen today as someone of high character. A good citizen is named this because he or she has earned that title through service and virtue, because he is recognized as trustworthy, genuine, and considerate of others. It is not a title that we as a country bestow lightly, as is evident in our citizenship requirements and ceremony. To be called a citizen still has value, value that gives us a sense of pride in our place among others here.
Perhaps the rich history of this title, then, helps to explain why we can think of a good citizen today as someone of high character. A good citizen is named this because he or she has earned that title through service and virtue, because he is recognized as trustworthy, genuine, and considerate of others. It is not a title that we as a country bestow lightly, as is evident in our citizenship requirements and ceremony. To be called a citizen still has value, value that gives us a sense of pride in our place among others here.
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