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What is freedom? 29/11/23

Freedom is a word used in many places: constitutions, protests, speeches and revolutions. Freedom is the cause of rebellions in the past and present and a cry from autocratic territories. Freedom is primarily wanted and present in the USA and Canada (The most powerful North American powers) felt as ‘very good’ (Human Freedom Index (HFI) Rank ≥ 15) but highest in Scandinavian and Oceanian countries (HFI Rank > 9). But many people would ask, ‘what is freedom?’

Many would argue that freedom is ‘freedom of speech’. Freedom of speech is a right on which any citizen of a state/territory/country has the right to say what they would like to say and to not be forced to say/agree with others opinions. However, with freedom of speech there are still limitations and laws which can come across as a ‘fake freedom’. You for instance cannot judge or offend someone because of a protected characteristic.

Others would argue that ‘Freedom’ is democracy and the right to vote. Similar to freedom of speech it allows people to choose and represent their opinions and what they believe and want. This balances power and is one of the most popular definitions of freedom. It is what women fought for and what many fought for in wars (especially the World Wars).

The idea of freedom can also be perceived as the ability to do whatever you want (that is possible) without consequences. However, this idea of freedom has never (except in ‘prehistoric times’ in the early time of humans and the homo-species), is not and probably will never be implemented. This is because freedom can affect others when using your own. True freedom would mean no laws,rules and no forceful morals. Anything and everything would be allowed including the negatives of humanities choices such as: murder, assault, theft and fraud. This would create a dystopian world where humanity would (eventually) fail and fall.

Finally, some people may believe freedom is the ability to be able to be truly happy and being able to truly control your life without someone pulling the strings as if you were a puppet. This freedom means there are still laws and rules - and still morals, but allows for the people of a territory to have democracy, freedom of speech (though slightly limited) and choice.

In conclusion, ‘freedom’ has many meanings : Freedom of speech, democracy, right of vote, ability to do whatever you want, and the choice to control your life and choose freely to be happy. Many of these meanings can be perceived as correct even when they contradict each other. Freedom is, at its core - choice. Choice lets you say what you want, do what you want and to take control. So in reality, freedom is the implementation of choice in humanity and its values and laws.