I recently expressed an opinion on the condition of the current Presidential election, which excited criticisms from friends in what was less than positive and in some cases almost volatile in nature. I strive to respect different and opposing opinions that are based on educated conviction, and respect the individual’s interest in holding and keeping those beliefs. I find it intriguing how a simple expression can cause such sensation without an attack against character even if it indirectly targets cause. While I am happy to discuss, or even debate my ideals, I am not required to defend them in honor of our social belief in the right of expression.
A definition of Freedom
Freedom, in application towards individuals, is the ability to make conscience choices responding to beliefs, convictions and circumstances and then exercising action, whether physical or mental, which has an influence on the outcome of a moment. Freedom requires acceptance of the consequences, whether positive or negative, of an individual’s choices. One could say that the ultimate price of freedom lies in an individual’s willingness and ability to be responsible and accountable to their choices.
Those who will not choose will never enjoy the benefits of freedom, often thinking they can escape the consequences. This is of course an error because by refusing to make a choice they are indeed taking a course of actions that will have ramifications in one form or another. By accepting freedom one does not have to become infallible, just accountable, understanding that no one acts with perfect knowledge but that a life of freedom is much more worthy than the acquiescence of slavery.
What is Freedom?
Freedom, and by association rights, are often discussed in circles all around the world. How does one express freedom? What constitutes freedom? How can many places not respect freedom? Let me express an irrefutable fact! Every person is free; every circumstance presents us with a choice and a subsequent set of consequences. Set aside a moment the perceptions of society; right and wrong, morality, and ethics. To discover why everyone is free we must first shake off all the constraints society has placed upon us and with an open and active mind considered what this means.
As I explained Freedom is essentially the ability to think and then act, and it is exactly that simple. It is possible to lose liberty and still remain free. When presented with challenging circumstances we can choose to sacrifice our liberty while retaining freedom, even if those choices lead to physical harm or personal extinction. A person can be imprisoned, caged and tortured and still act in rebellion against the forces that attempt to constrain them until liberty is attained, or the fight is ended. When the united States of America was ratified into existence it was with the clear understanding that all of mankind is free, but to live in a society we must agree that we will constrain ourselves when our actions would give benefit at the forcible expense of another.
So we can see that everyone, from those living under the most despotic governments to those living under the most liberal, can act in a manner contrary to their circumstances. In the case of the repressed individuals, and by assembly a group, can choose to take actions knowing full well that on one side there are severe and negative consequences but on the other are equally liberating and positive benefits. Inversely individuals enjoying freedom can choose actions that remove their liberty and have the appearance of depriving them of freedom.
Freedom and Rights?
Freedom we can see is inherent in any intelligent creature and while it is possible to deny liberty, it is impossible to negate freedom. An individual always has the ability to make a choice, at risk of life and liberty, of defying another’s actions. So what are rights then? Rights are the social contract that every society engages in to enjoy mutual tranquility. It is possible for an individual to cheat, steal and murder to gain benefit, but we recognize as a society that these expressions of freedom are contrary to the mutual benefit of all its members.
In a just and true society we understand that rights don’t restrain our freedom but rather allow us to civilly express them. We agree that any action that attempts to benefit one over another by means of force and coercion are reprehensible and contrary to the individual and common good. In this light it is easier to understand the commonality between rights and freedom and to acknowledge that while they are interdependent, they are not reliant on each other. Rights do not restrain freedom and freedom is not defined by rights.
Conclusion
While I acknowledge at points in history others have done much to secure liberty, Freedom is purchased moment by moment by individuals. Freedom requires that we recognize ourselves as sovereign, for freedom is not granted on one person by another, or inversely revoked, but exists independently. As sovereigns we may exercise our rights at any point in time; even if they are not exercised on a socially popular occasion. A sovereign reserves their choice to assert those rights as an expression of their freedom and a just society will honor the expression in as much as it may be obliged to do so.
