A proposed 300-foot statue, known as the Statue of Responsibility, is gaining traction in Utah as a potential companion piece to the Statue of Liberty in New York. The monument aims to emphasize the importance of responsibility alongside freedom, and could become a symbol of unity and inspiration for generations to come.
Utah is considering the construction of a 300-foot statue, the Statue of Responsibility, as a counterpart to the iconic Statue of Liberty in New York. The concept of the Statue of Responsibility was first introduced by Austrian psychologist Viktor Frankl almost 80 years ago. Frankl believed that freedom without responsibility is incomplete, and proposed a monument on the West Coast of the United States to complement the Statue of Liberty on the East Coast. Sculptor Gary Lee Price has been working on the design for nearly two decades, and with the support of Utah Governor Spencer Cox, the idea is gaining momentum. The statue, which will be made of cast aluminum, aims to inspire individuals, families, and communities to embrace responsibility alongside freedom.
1: A Vision for Responsibility
Frankl’s vision for the Statue of Responsibility was born out of his belief that freedom is only part of the story. In his book, “Man’s Search for Meaning,” he argued that true freedom requires responsibleness. The proposed statue seeks to remind people that freedom must be accompanied by a sense of responsibility and accountability.
2: The Sculptor and His Design
Gary Lee Price, a renowned sculptor and University of Utah graduate, was connected to the Statue of Responsibility project through Stephen Covey, an educator and author. Price designed a sculpture featuring two hands locked in a grasp, symbolizing the connection between freedom and responsibility. In 2004, he received a blessing for the concept from Frankl’s widow and family members in Vienna, Austria. Since then, Price has been working tirelessly to find a suitable location for the monument.
3: A Potential Home in Utah
While the original plan was to build the Statue of Responsibility in California, Price and the non-profit group supporting the project encountered delays that pushed the timeline for construction decades into the future. However, a recent pitch to the Point of the Mountain State Land Authority board suggests that Utah may be the ideal location for the monument. Utah Governor Spencer Cox expressed his enthusiastic support for the project, emphasizing the state’s history of embracing big ideas and the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.
4: The Approval Process
The Point of the Mountain State Land Authority board expressed excitement about the Statue of Responsibility project and is awaiting a formal proposal from the foundation. Any project proposals must undergo a comprehensive review process before being considered for approval. While the Phase 1 plan for The Point has already been approved, the board is open to concurrent projects that align with the site’s vision and purpose.
5: Funding and Construction Timeline
The estimated construction cost for the Statue of Responsibility is $300 million, but the foundation behind the project is committed to funding the monument entirely through donations. Price is confident that, with the completion of the Point of the Mountain Land Authority process, construction could begin as early as 2026. The foundation also plans to create an endowment to cover operational costs and ensure the monument’s sustainability.
Conclusion:
The proposed Statue of Responsibility in Utah presents a unique opportunity to create a symbol of unity and inspiration. By emphasizing the importance of responsibility alongside freedom, the monument aims to engage individuals, families, schools, communities, businesses, and governments worldwide. With the potential to become an international icon, the Statue of Responsibility could serve as a gathering place for education, outreach, and enrichment, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Leave a Reply