Plans for a 300-foot statue, inspired by the Statue of Liberty, are taking shape in Utah
In a world where freedom is often celebrated without acknowledging the need for responsibility, a new monument aims to remind us of the importance of accountability. The Statue of Responsibility, a proposed 300-foot sculpture, is making its way to the former Draper state prison site in Utah. Conceived nearly 80 years ago by Austrian psychologist Viktor Frankl, the statue seeks to complement the Statue of Liberty on the East Coast and emphasize the essential link between freedom and responsibility. With the support of sculptor Gary Lee Price and the Statue of Responsibility Foundation, this ambitious project is gaining momentum and could become a symbol of global significance.
A Vision Inspired by Viktor Frankl
Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and renowned psychologist, first proposed the idea of a Statue of Responsibility in his 1946 book, “Man’s Search for Meaning.” Frankl believed that freedom, while crucial, is incomplete without a sense of responsibility. He suggested that the Statue of Liberty on the East Coast should be complemented by a companion statue on the West Coast, symbolizing the interdependence of liberty and accountability.
Gary Lee Price and the Sculpture’s Design
Sculptor Gary Lee Price, a graduate of the University of Utah, became involved in the Statue of Responsibility project through his connection with Stephen Covey, a friend of Frankl’s. Price created a concept for the monument nearly 20 years ago—a depiction of two hands locked in a grasp. In 2004, he received a blessing for the idea from Frankl’s widow and family members during a visit to Vienna, Austria. Since then, Price and the Statue of Responsibility Foundation have been searching for a suitable location and securing the necessary support to bring the vision to life.
A Potential Home in Utah
Initially, the plan was to build the Statue of Responsibility in California. However, due to logistical challenges and a lengthy timeline, the focus has now shifted to Utah. On Tuesday, the Point of the Mountain State Land Authority board heard a presentation by Steve Cohen, CEO of the Statue of Responsibility Foundation, advocating for Utah as the ideal location. Utah Governor Spencer Cox also expressed his enthusiastic support for the project. The land authority board is excited about the proposal and looks forward to reviewing a formal plan from the foundation.
A Monument of Significance
The Statue of Responsibility is not just a sculpture; it is intended to be a community gathering place for education, outreach, and enrichment. The foundation plans to fund the monument entirely through donations, and an endowment will be created to cover operational costs. With an estimated construction cost of $300 million, the statue will feature an observation deck and a three-story base that will provide space for various activities. The foundation envisions the monument as an international symbol of responsibility, engaging individuals, families, schools, communities, businesses, and governments in programs that promote accountability and improve lives for generations to come.
Conclusion: The Statue of Responsibility project is gaining momentum as it seeks a home in Utah. Inspired by Viktor Frankl’s vision, this monumental sculpture aims to remind us that freedom and responsibility go hand in hand. With the support of sculptor Gary Lee Price and the Statue of Responsibility Foundation, the project is poised to become a symbol of global significance. As we look to the future, the Statue of Responsibility will serve as a powerful reminder that true freedom requires accountability and that we must strive to be responsible citizens in a world that often values personal liberty above all else.
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