What does it mean to be free?

It seems that the recent history of humanity has been focused on experiencing freedom as one of the greatest values in life. As a result, each of us is fighting to conquer this esteemed prize.

Freedom that is simply free, without rules, empty of content and purpose, follows the example of a miser desperately accumulating wealth while living in poverty.

Everyone wants to be free, but it seems not everyone believes that the gift of freedom should be used.

The spectacle presented to us today is similar to the gold rush of some other time, with one significant difference: I fear that those who sought gold knew why they were looking for it and devised thousands of ways to take advantage of that coveted metal if they found it. Today, on the other hand, almost none of us know why we want freedom; most often we say it’s so we can “do as we please”. However, freedom that is simply free, without rules, empty of content and purpose, follows the example of a miser. desperate to collect wealth while living in poverty. No miser is capable of explaining why they collect their wealth for anyone; the desire for possession has simply taken over them.

Today we have the following problem: we all want freedom, we all demand freedom for ourselves and for others, but no one dares to use it, let alone allow others to use it. No one dares to commit to a free decision that will be lasting and stable; no one wants to risk their praised freedom for something or someone. Freedom is a value that is rarely used, and it is usually expressed only through shouts and protests, although it can end in violence towards those who think differently about what it means to be free and what is implied by free expression of will.

Noble ideals, a dignified way of life, noble feelings, faith in God and the destiny of humanity do not seem to be goals associated with freedom.

Today it is believed that the freest person is precisely the one who All the mentioned values are missing; it is considered that loyalty to emotions or ideas limits human freedom. In this way, freedom is limited to the indifferent pursuit of certain elements that will help us live a comfortable life, but without any obligations; all in all, so that we can freely change, but without entering any risks that come with the changes themselves or questionable moments of stability.

No one dares to commit with a free decision that would be permanent and stable; no one wants to risk their praised freedom for something or someone.

We live in a world of free people, who are free as long as they do nothing. But this passive freedom hides the terrible reality of slavery, mostly in the chains of fear, indecision, and the inability to choose and live chosen ideas, emotions, and actions that are worthy of voluntary sacrifice for that freedom, after it is practically conquered and lived.

Classical philosophy has taught us that freedom is a gift that belongs to people who know and govern themselves. T Water people do not hesitate to act or sacrifice themselves, but they develop with every experience and become freer. We live in an age of poor stingy people who starve whilst looking at their own wealth and who would rather despair in anxiety than spend a single coin of their freedom. The truth is that, once again, we are mistaken in our materialistic view, judging everything equally. Freedom is not a pile of gold that diminishes as it is spent, but, on the contrary, it is a humane state, a virtue of the soul that develops through constant living. Yes, we can make mistakes when we commit ourselves. But who can convince us that we are not making mistakes when we avoid all commitments? And is it not a characteristic of freedom to recognize and correct mistakes when we identify them? Classical philosophy has taught us that freedom is a gift that belongs to those who know and master themselves. Such people do not hesitate to act or sacrifice themselves, but they develop with every experience and become freer.

This is a valuable contribution of philosophy in the equally valuable pursuit and achievement of individual and collective freedom.