How do we live free in an increasingly unfree world? I believe the short answer is “with great difficulty.” The longer answer is that it is certainly possible, but it does require a somewhat radical shift in mindset. I have come to realize over the last two years that America is no longer the land of the free and the home of the brave.
To remain on topic, I will not go into any detail to explain that last sentence. I think it suffices to simply state the following: Just take an in-depth look at America. America has changed dramatically because of the coronavirus epidemic and the actions that were taken to respond to that epidemic. Let us leave it there.
I believe the following two ideas will provide the necessary perspective for understanding living freer in an increasingly more unfree world. I hope this short post will prompt some lateral thinking on the topic.
Individual Sovereignty
Individual sovereignty is a key understanding we must have. Each of us (regardless of our status or position in life) is a sovereign individual. All of us possess three basic rights that we can classify as natural rights. The word natural applies here because these rights are not granted by any entity or government. They are our rights by just being born. No one can take them away from us.
Simply stated, they are a right to life; a right to freedom to live life as we see fit (as long as we do not harm others); and, finally, a right to the product of our own efforts, that is, what we produce or create for ourselves and our family. This latter right is exemplified by the concept of private property.
The Many Boxes and Traps Of Life
When we live in a structured society or community, we are expected to behave in a certain way. Unfortunately, these behaviors, over time, often take on a life of their own. We no longer understand or remember their basis or foundation; we just accept them blindly, without questioning their value to us as sovereign individuals.
Many of these behaviors appear reasonable when we first buy into them. However, they can evolve into so many boxes and traps. They are especially problematic for those of us who view individual freedom as the highest good.
One of the biggest traps that I see all around us is the pervasiveness and perversity of centralized power. There are many other boxes and traps. However, it does take study and reflection to truly recognize them and their effect on our lives.
A Simple Call To Action
I believe the simplest approach to follow is to ask the following three questions of ourselves:
1. How free do I see my life at present?
2. Do I want my life to be freer than it is?
3. What steps must I take to achieve a freer life for myself?
These three questions are easy to write down, but they represent a task that is not trivial in execution. I hope you enjoy this process of self-discovery and will begin that journey sooner rather than later.
Four Quotes To Ponder
“Freedom is the one, tiny little word that matters.”—Anders Chydenius
“May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.”—Peter Marshall
“A society that puts equality before freedom will get neither; a society that puts freedom before equality will get a high degree of both.”—Milton Friedman
“They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”—Benjamin Franklin
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Cordially,
Andrew J Guinosso