What is Freedom?
Lately the topic of freedom has entered my life. It is not a new event in my life – I often think on the subject but my analysis changes over time. Personally I would like to think that freedom applies to thoughts, heart and soul. Freedom from fear, freedom to follow your heart, freedom to go after your dreams. All very nice. Is it possible?
I believe that our society reflects the combined freedom or slavery of every individual, which is a horrifying thought. Lets face it our world is pretty screwed up. So theoretically there is a severe lack of personal freedom being expressed.
So what inhibits freedom?
Indoctrination, religion, culture… the list would be quite long. I think we can track the most unhealthy aspects of our society straight back to how we view each item – like sex. Sex is still a taboo area with varying degrees of limitations firmly in place. Would we have such high cases of abuse, rape and violence if this wasn’t the case?
Would we have such high poverty, homelessness and unemployment statistics if individuals had the resources and courage to follow their dreams and aspirations? But here is another angle… Are we capable of being truly free? Would anarchy ensue?
Has our society developed around the need to prevent chaos by limiting individual freedom or has our inability to embrace freedom spawned our society?
Very philosophical tonight, but a worthy subject to think on I think. One last thought: If my viewpoints on freedom keeps changing have I ever truly experienced it?
