One of the core values is the right to manage your own life. Some believe that it is given from birth. Others think that it is worth giving it after reaching the age of majority. Still others regard independence as the privilege of a particular group of people, by gender, social or other grounds. An unequivocal answer to the question of what freedom is from the standpoint of morality, ethics, philosophy, legislation, or social norms does not exist. There is only a generalized concept and a large number of interpretations, depending on the point from which we consider it.
What is freedom?
Human freedom is his right to be the cause of his actions himself, without the influence of external factors. The most generalized definition reveals the essence of the concept, implying the possibility of self-selection of their life orientations or actions. The problem of freedom is given considerable attention in all religions and philosophies of the world. Its presence is considered one of the highest values along with life itself.
What is a free man?
From the standpoint of legislation, a free person is one who has the right to a certain behavior, enshrined in his country's Constitution. It is about regulated freedom. The more developed a country's democracy, the more rights its citizens have.
From the point of view of ethics, a person’s freedom is expressed in his ability to express his will. But, in this case, it is appropriate to talk about morality, when the will of one can be negatively displayed on someone else. This means that people are still endowed with responsibility to society. Philosophers are the most democratic. Their definition of freedom recalls that given at the beginning of this article, without reference to legislation or a sense of conscience. On the other hand, the possibility of uncontrolled behavior raises a number of moral and ethical issues, making the concept of “absolute” freedom a utopia.
It is most correct to talk about the possibilities to freely perform certain actions if they do not pose a threat to the life or health of other people, do not encroach on their honor and dignity. Otherwise, the people around are also free to prevent someone’s immoral behavior by their actions. It turns out a vicious circle.
How does a person achieve freedom?
If we are not talking about extremes, the possibility of unhindered expression of the will is extremely important for everyone. Even if circumstances take away the freedom of movement, no one can make it impossible to dream and think. In his head, everyone is as free as his world view allows him.
There are a number of practical recommendations that help to become independent.
Free your mind
Worse than all the shackles that restrain the mind. A free person is, first of all, a person devoid of stereotypes, open to understanding his inner world. It is appropriate to recall the saying about the dream of a slave - "the market in which you can buy a host." An extreme form of enslavement, when an individual cannot even imagine something better. If someone decides to become more free, then this path should be started from his thoughts. Himself believe in freedom, and then seek it.
Understand what prevents to be free
When a person has already embarked on the path of his inner liberation, first of all, she needs to understand what makes her dependent. These factors include:
- Fears, insecurity, complexes;
- Alien opinion, public stereotypes;
- Dependence on financial well-being;
- Inability to make decisions on their own.
Independence, being our right, sometimes requires decisive action. She appears in the fight. First of all - with yourself.
Defeat your inner barriers
Fears, insecurity, complexes firmly rooted in almost all. They are the product of past failures. And not only their own, but also their own family. Sometimes parents, having failed to achieve something in their life, start programming children for failure and working out a lot of complexes for them. This becomes the first barrier to individual freedom.
Be sincere to yourself
Respect the opinions of other people is, but mindlessly follow it is not desirable. Parents, grandmothers, grandfathers, friends, comrades, colleagues, can sometimes suggest the right things. But, everyone has his own life and how to use it is an individual choice. This is the freedom of the individual. Before "including" the rebellious spirit, defending their opinion, it is worth, for a start, working out this opinion. To be an individual, with their own views, desires, needs. If you only follow the rules of the majority, you can never become a real one.
Stop chasing money
Money is very important in this world, but very often it becomes a trap from which it is difficult to get out. In pursuit of profit, people risk becoming its hostage. This does not mean that you definitely need to give up financial well-being and devote yourself to hermitage. Simply, choose a job, additional income, or open your business, preferably in the area that causes the greatest interest and positive emotions.
Learn how to make decisions
A serious problem that prevents many people from finding their independence is the fear of independence. One of the reasons is ignorance, which holds people like real shackles. Very often, someone becomes dependent on others just because he knows no other way. Learning more about the laws of the world, understanding their own capabilities and rights, people get the most powerful weapon in the fight for their freedom. Fear, as a rule, appears in response to misunderstanding. Thus, the expansion of their worldview is able to open freedom, thus making the first step on the path to it.
In addition, practice is an important stage in the development of independence. If you do not start doing something and decide for yourself, then how to become independent? Of course, failures are not excluded, but the one who does nothing is doubly mistaken. After all, human freedom is the realization of his will. The word "implementation" implies activity.
The question of what freedom can be pondered over the years. This is the right of everyone. But, in addition to thoughts, it is desirable to embody it in life. Want to be free - be it! On this path there are a number of barriers, but most of them are in the head. Therefore, the first step towards liberation can be considered positive thinking and a proactive stance.
