I've heard many different thoughts on this one subject. What defines freedom? What even is freedom? Who is free, and how do you become free? I've had the privilege to look at this very subject on many different levels, from many different sources. So, I'll go ahead and tell a little of my research. Feel free to read on, if you're interested at all!
So, in order to know if someone is truly free, we must define freedom. What is freedom to you? Is it the thought of being able to make your own decisions? Is it being away from the influences of social norms? Is it a combination, or is it something more? For me, true freedom is the idea that anything I can do is my of my own will, and as such, cannot be truly affected by others.
I've been trying to break myself from the constraints of society as a whole, which is not very easy, especially while in college. My entire family is mixed up in the already established society that has always been around (or at least for the last 200 years). I honestly wish to break myself from it simply on the basis that it's not true freedom if my thoughts are dictated by what is "prim and proper." I don't care what is actually "proper" because I feel I can be proper on my own.
That's not to say that I lack tact, of course. I'm always polite (or I at least try my hardest to be). I may somewhat look like a "tree-hugging hippy" or "some bum from the streets" but the funny thing is, I make myself look that way to see who is willing to see past stereotypes and actually appreciate me for who I am. That's my own choice, and I have the freedom to do that. I don't have true freedom on that, however, since society will always see me as something negative, but ultimately, that's not even my choice. So, I still have freedom.
So, with that definition, how does one become free? Well, following with my thoughts on freedom, the only way to be truly free is to be free of the constraints of society. This would require me to basically become an isolationist, or a gypsy, which my mother probably wouldn't be able to handle. But, on the other hand, I see this as something I feel the need to do. Society in general won't accept someone like me. I'm too independent, and too "rebellious" to conform to what everyone thinks is the right thing to do. So, I'm going to find some people that actually understand, and walk my path with them.
Now that we have defined freedom, and how to become truly free, how do we determine if we already are free? Well, honestly, I don't think there's an actual answer to that. If there is one, it may not be very satisfactory, but if I had to take a guess, it'd definitely lie in how someone viewed themself. I feel free from most of the constraints of others. In fact, I actually feel like I can pretty much do anything (despite having to finish out this one last semester of school). So, because I feel free, I believe I am free. Others may not completely agree with that thought, but it's just how I perceive it.
Now, there are many thoughts on freedom, and I'm not about to list so many things on just this one subject. I'll leave it to you to conduct your own research and form your own opinion. After all, this is how it should be. I can't just give you all the answers, you have to gather some of them yourself. Besides, my answers may not be the ones you are looking for (or actually need). So, just look around. Ask people, if you feel comfortable enough in doing so. You never know what you may learn!
Until next time,
--Wasdramer
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