@Vicsun
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vicsun  Elephants are gray but sometimes they're pink and sometimes orange, and sometimes all at the same time. Freedom is to think or reason about it and decide for yourself. |
...and this personalized truth will set you free... from any reason
@DW
Quote:
But how do *you* really define freedom? Is it the ability to feel you can practice your political and religious beliefs without fear of repression? Is it being able to fill basic needs such as adequate shelter, food and clothing? Is it the option of traveling wherever you want whenever you want? Is it the opportunity to pursue any education and/or career path you so choose? Is it being free of debt or obligation? Is it the right to individual will and self-determination? Is it complete freedom from poverty, or at the other extreme, is it the right to make as much money as possible regardless of who is trampled in the process?
Or maybe it's a combination of things. If so, which do you consider to be most important?
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You are talking about basic human needs and conventional liberties determined by culture. Our choices are limited by laws, customs, religion, and common sense. And the circumstances. When you are starving or suffocating, you don’t care much about philosophy.
Even a fulfillment of basic needs can be constructive/destructive. For example, if you fulfill your need for security, your freedom to travel might be limited. If you fulfill your need to eat chocolate (basic need #1 if you ask me), you might find out that your need to wear that flattering outfit is frustrated.
The "inner" freedom of thought is limited by our experience, dogmatic narrow-mindedness, education, cultural background, and "whathaveye". We all live in the Plato's Cave.
So, there is no real freedom.
BUT... Since you ask what I consider to be most important for myself... and my basic needs are somewhat fulfilled (except need #1)...
The most important is freedom to leave the Cave. But it is difficult.
