The Hidden Depths of Our Most Cherished Freedoms
Written on
Chapter 1: Understanding Freedom Beyond the Surface
Have we lost sight of the true essence of freedom? In recent discussions, many emphasize their right to free speech and the right to bear arms, almost as if wielding these rights grants them unlimited power. In doing so, we may have distorted the very foundation of our cherished constitution.
Writing about this topic during January, a month that symbolizes the peaceful transfer of presidential power in our nation, seems both appropriate and necessary. Admittedly, articulating my thoughts on freedom proved to be quite challenging. Freedom is not merely a complex subject; it is deeply significant and central to our existence. It took me four separate drafts to arrive at the version you’re reading now.
Genuine freedom extends far beyond our legal rights. Let’s delve into what this means.
We are a society rich with celebrations—holidays, parades, monuments, and museums. We honor our past and the heroes who shaped it. Among all the reasons for celebration, the theme of freedom stands out prominently. Countless wars have been fought, laws enacted, and rights secured—all in the name of freedom. Yet, the tangible effects of these hard-won freedoms often seem distant from our daily lives. Outside of casting a vote once a year, how frequently do we truly engage with the freedoms we celebrate? When was the last time you credited VE-Day for a positive event in your life? Personally, I’ve never thought, “If it weren’t for the Declaration of Independence, I might not have received a good rate on my car insurance.”
So, when does freedom become truly significant? How does it influence our lives meaningfully, beyond national holidays and fireworks? We often perceive freedom as an abstract concept, one that fades unless we turn our gaze inward.
Let’s examine the freedoms that hold genuine importance. When I contemplate freedom, two fundamental freedoms come to mind—freedoms that shape our identities and influence the quality of our lives. What are these core freedoms?
Our Freedom of Thought
Let’s first explore our most vital freedom: the freedom of thought. This often-underestimated power comes with no restrictions.
If you’re seeking to enhance your life, the first step is to assess your thoughts. Are they beneficial or detrimental? Do they uplift or undermine you? You possess the freedom to think as you wish—no battles to fight, no legislation to pass.
Viktor Frankl, a Jewish psychologist, survived the horrors of Nazi concentration camps during the 1940s, imparting a profound lesson about the unassailable nature of our freedom of thought. Stripped of everything—his practice, his home, and his family—Frankl discovered that the one freedom that remained was the freedom to shape his thoughts.
During his imprisonment, he observed a crucial distinction between those who survived and those who did not: it lay in their mindset. Conversations among prisoners often revolved around cherished foods, memories of home, or aspirations for the future. The few who spoke of their hopes for life post-war were notably more likely to endure. Frankl learned that envisioning a desired future instilled hope and meaning in their existence.
As he famously stated, “It was their duty to survive, not for what they needed from life, but for what life needed from them.”
In contrast, those fixated on their past often succumbed to despair. This is an extreme illustration, yet it prompts a reflection on how often we dwell on past events. If you’re like most, the answer is probably too often.
Hope arises from positive contemplation of future possibilities. It provides life with meaning and a sense of control—true freedom.
The Four Freedoms | Freedom for Virtue - This video explores the concept of freedoms as essential elements of human dignity and how they shape our lives.
Our Freedom to Act
The second invaluable freedom we possess is the freedom to act—or to refrain from acting.
Consider how many relationships could be preserved, jobs saved, and conflicts avoided if individuals simply paused before reacting.
Frankl’s insights are again illuminating. The space between stimulus and response is where our power to choose resides, and within that choice lies our growth and freedom.
“Between stimulus and response, there is a space... In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” ~ Viktor Frankl, Auschwitz Survivor, Neurologist and Psychiatrist
This freedom profoundly influences how we establish habits and pursue our objectives. The journey of goal-setting is often filled with challenges and distractions. Willpower is frequently overestimated and diminishes throughout the day. Mornings are usually easier, while afternoons can test our resolve. Ultimately, our ability to pause between a craving (stimulus) and an impulsive action (response) is where true freedom lies.
Recognizing that we have the power to choose our actions is liberating. We can either react impulsively or take a moment to consider our true desires. While we may not always succeed, failure is guaranteed if we don’t make the effort.
Try making it a habit to count to five before responding. Breathe, reflect, and ask yourself what you genuinely want in that moment. With time and practice, this can become your default approach.
Developing new habits and sticking to our goals involves ups and downs. You will experience successes and setbacks, but most importantly, you will learn and grow. This is possible because you possess the inherent freedom to choose how you respond to life’s myriad challenges.
Conclusion
Whenever you reflect on freedom—whether during a holiday celebration or a museum visit—remember the most vital freedoms of all. Your ability to think and act in ways that promote your well-being enhances your life every single day.
Because it is important. You are important. Your thoughts shape your identity and influence your impact on the world. Don’t underestimate this power. I hope you find even greater appreciation for your freedoms today.
Timothy Snyder — On Freedom - In this discussion, Snyder examines the nuances of freedom and its implications in contemporary society.