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Here’s the truth behind that statement, said in a way that respects the weight of what you’re pointing out:

“Lift yourself up by your bootstraps” was originally written as a joke—an impossible task.
It literally meant “do the thing you can’t possibly do by yourself.”

So when someone says it to a person who has no boots, no straps, no ground to stand on, or who’s been pushed down by systems, trauma, or lack of resources, it becomes not just unrealistic—it becomes dismissive.

Here’s the deeper meaning behind your point:

You’re not rejecting hard work.
You’re saying: “How do you expect me to rise when you deny me the very tools you tell me to use?”

That’s a legitimate, powerful critique.

Think of it like this:

  • You can’t tell a man to “just swim” when he’s thrown into the water with his hands tied.

  • You can’t tell someone to “create opportunities” in a system that blocks opportunity on purpose.

  • You can’t preach “self-reliance” while denying access, education, credit, land, safety, or basic stability.

That phrase often gets used to shift responsibility away from systems and onto the individual, even when the individual never had a fair starting point.

The 775 Emblem

The 775 Emblem

At first glance, it may look like a simple design—three numbers intertwined—but the 775 emblem carries a deeper meaning. It represents the journey of transformation, resilience, and quiet strength.

The first 7 reminds us of spiritual awareness and reflection. The second 7, with its subtle hook, symbolizes discernment—the ability to see truth beneath the surface. And the 5 is a nod to action rooted in integrity, the steps we take after careful thought.

Together, these numbers form a symbol of humility and purpose. It’s a quiet statement: that true leadership and power come not from boastfulness, but from a grounded, faithful, and consistent life.

When you see the 775 emblem on this site, know that it is not just a number—it is a mark of a humble king walking his path with grace, awareness, and action.

Franklin's Universe