What it means to be "Free"?
@darknessfalls (180)
Philippines
December 23, 2010 3:34am CST
I know as generations pass by the definition of "freedom" changes as well. I commonly hear people, who are by far older than me, say that the definition of "freedom" is often mistaken by the youth. I, sometimes, hear that to this the minds of the upcoming generations are getting corrupted as generations pass by.
I do have a say on this though. Although "freedom" means that one can do something without limits or bars, it doesn't mean that it also good to abuse such right. I do agree with the people who say that "freedom" is often abused nowadays though I only consider the people who do things that can harm himself or others to be abusive. That is what I think. Though, I also see that people are also using the word "freedom" itself to attach a leash on the necks of the people around them which by far is also considered abusive.
What do you think about this issue? It is a huge topic, i know but I really want to know what your stand on this. Feel free to agree or disagree with my opinions. :)
1 person likes this
6 responses
@_sketch_ (5742)
• United States
20 Jan 11
I believe there are two different forms of freedom: physical and spiritual/mental. I believe that both are innate rights. We are born with them. Freedom is being able to do, say, be, think what you want as long as it doesn't infringe on the rights of others. I agree with you in that it is not good to abuse freedom to hurt others.
If it harm none, do what you will. This is my philosophy.
Our physical freedom is something that people (the government, religious figures, etc.) sometimes want to take away by making rules, laws, punishments, etc. This is something that we should always protect and fight for. However, we should always remember that as long as we are mentally free, we are truly free. The physical isn't as important, it's only temporary. What I mean is that, to me, freedom is more of a spiritual/mental state than physical. Most people seem to feel it's the other way around.
@megamatt (14292)
• United States
23 Dec 10
The ability to choose what to do. As long as it is not illegal or immoral. Still living in a world where we can choose what political leaders that we support, choose what religion that we follow, choose what foods that we eat, choose what books we read, choose the music that we listen to, choose pretty much anything that we think of. Where it is not decided for us, we have the freedom. Freedom in the end is about choice.
@gerianne1078 (22)
• Philippines
24 Dec 10
You are right. This is a huge topic and I do not think we will ever agree as to what freedom is. So I'll start with what freedom is not. To me, freedom is not doing everything you want, when you want it, no matter what. That is the most abused part of freedom. People think that it means they can do everything regardless of other people's feelings. Our own personal freedom ends when the other person's freedom starts.
@penrockerchic (1903)
• Philippines
23 Dec 10
It's quite a profound topic when it comes to freedom. It's because freedom can be relative depending on one's upbringing, culture and mentality. AS for me, I think that when one is given the freedom to choose or do anything he wants, he should always keep in mind of the responsibility that comes with it. It should never be abused in such a way that it destroys you and the people around you. Freedom is a choice we make to make relationships and individuality grow into something useful and beautiful. If one uses freedom and ends up hurting somebody else, then such freedom is useless and it won't be something you deserve to have.
@yumcookie (146)
• United States
24 Dec 10
Its hard to define the definition of "freedom" because to all of us it means something different. With each new generation it will change and with each person you ask it will also change. Some see it as no limits, nothing at all that restricts the person from doing what he or she wants to do. You are only free if you feel free. Some people are slaves by birth and physically bound to serve another, others of us are bound by invisible chains set by society, etc. and so on.
