Freedom is my birthright, and I will have it.

I think it depends also on what an individuals idea of freedom is. If a person chooses to measure their freedom financially then that's what they do. I have been guilty of measuring freedom like that at times, but I now think personal freedom is the ability to move about and do as you please (without breaking the law or harming others of course). I once worked with a woman, who's son accepted a new job about 1700 miles away in California. He placed all his belongings in two cardboard containers that he took to his mom's house, and later she shipped them via common carrier to his new address. He took his laptop with him and a few necessities. I remember thinking that was so awesome that he could just move about like that, I remember thinking he truly had freedom to do as he wished, he had nothing to tie him down. One can amass things of value but they can become anchors when one wishes a change. Owning a home sounds like a great idea, until you want to move at it becomes the anchor that holds you in place. You are at the mercy of the market unless you want to sell low. So you pay mortgage on something that you can only posses for a finite time, and with the interest what do you really gain? Where's the personal freedom in that?

I agree. I've thought about it a lot and come to the conclusion that even financial freedom is intended to achieve the same thing - that is, like you said, moving about and doing as one pleases. That's really rare, seriously!! There are probably very few people who can move so easily as and when they want to.

Hi there Jjzone, Really been a while, hasn't it? Feels good to get back in touch and share ideas again. That's a good one too - 'freedom is not free'. Ironic but true. Oh yeah, I love that movie. And I totally agree with your observation, money IS very much associated with freedom. Maybe that's because in this day and age, the attainment or possession of anything and everything requires money. People do equate money with fulfillment, and I guess we can't blame them. That's what society taught them. I have felt that way - that the poor are happier - too!!! People are so afraid of becoming poor they don't stop to ponder what the poor have that they don't. I remember J.K. Rowling once saying: "Rock-bottom became the solid foundation from which I rebuilt my life". Maybe you're right. They just might be the ones who are really free. I would love to try being a nomad or a 'poor' person for a while, to see how peaceful it really is.

Hi lekhya, Thank you for sharing your knowledge!! I knew these words were meant for a political context but they also apply to one's everyday life. Excellent ideas you've got there!! I hope you do get to do what you want!

Yes,they do apply to one's every day life...Its an effective statement... I always love "freedom of thought"... I want to rule my mind and can't bare anyone's intervention... But,at the same time,i care a lot for other's feelings.I listen to others and sometimes take decisions that are good for the society and the people rather than me..Its not always good to be stubborn and bold.Sometimes,we should listen to our elders and our family and then decide...

Congratulations on your freedom Peavey! You certainly sound like you have everything you want! I agree with you that certain things are indeed not free, to the extent that we live in a society that entangles the lives of all of its members. What we do affects the person next to us and what they do affects us. But I do hope that we will all live lives with as much freedom as possible, which is, of course, the point of all existence.

That is true! Courage is indeed required for one to live that way. But how many people are tied down by their responsibilities as parents, siblings or professionals? That is probably why more people don't leave all behind and try to attain true freedom.