What is Freedom

It has been said that us as humans have the freedom of choice. This is, in theory, true. We do have the choice of any action that is humanly possible…but the whole concept to me of complete freedom to choose, is that your choices are not hindered by consequences. Yes, this may be idealistic, but it is true in my view. I would define complete freedom as just that, freedom to do as one pleases, without any limitations or consequences. As soon as we encounter limits in any way, then by definition, this is not complete freedom. As humans, our freedom is limited by a number of factors, the most powerful probably being pain (in various forms) and fear of the consequences of those choices or actions.

For example, should you see something that you dearly want and have the almost perfect opportunity to steal that item, yes, there is a choice- to steal or not to steal. However, the decision to make a particular choice is not so simple. Should you steal it, you may be caught and being caught, you would almost certainly be punished. Even if you do not get caught, would your conscience bother you? You have been limited.

Freedom of speech is also just a set of words. Should you defame somebody, then they have the right to legal recourse. Again, freedom is limited by the law. So in theory there is freedom, in reality, there are limits. Even in the most ‘free’ societies it is obvious that there would be limits, for example hate speech, speeches that incite violence and so on. This is not an argument as to whether these, or any limitations are correct or not, as that would be an entirely different argument.

The limitations we are talking about is everything that would limit our choices, natural, legal, religious and so on. There is not simply just one set of limitations cast upon us, but a combination of limitations.

Going back to the stealing example, the limits are that of law and our own conscience, which has deemed stealing as wrong.

In different countries and cultures the limits differ, that is why I have refrained from using definitions from dictionaries or any other books. For Example the Muslims are limited in their dress, the Omnish are limited in that their way of life must be simple without modern tools. Within different cultures, the religious limits are probably the strongest and largely influence the laws of the community or country in which they exist.

We are also obviously governed by the laws of science and nature, for example gravity or bodily limits and functions. We could choose to fly, but due to gravity and our bodily structure, we are limited.

Even when it comes to one’s career, we are told that it is all in our hands. Yes, to a point it may be, but should we apply for a job, if it were in our hands, we would obviously secure the job and the same goes with promotions or raises. We are limited to external influences to a large extent. We are not always able to obtain our goals and ambitions, because of decisions made by others. This is not a cop out or to blame other peoples for our failures, it is a cold fact. You can study, work hard and do whatever it takes- if somebody who makes the decision, decides that, that road is closed, you are severely hampered. 

Limits. Even as free as our minds may be, we are limited to our knowledge, experience, memories, upbringing and so on. I am not arguing that our minds do not have unlimited potential, because I am sure that they do. What I am saying is that this unlimited potential, is limited to various factors.

So, this is not an extensive study, but a short essay to show that no matter how free we thing we are, we are just so limited and that total freedom will never be achieved. Sorry, this is reality.