RE: "What is holding you back from feeling more free?" A philosophical linguistic perspective. #freedomchallenge
The circumstances that are descriptive of the greatest minimum of freedom are counted among the so called third countries of the world. In my opinion, in the developed world there is a great amount of freedom, even for an individual to choose to leave it all behind. I think people enjoy saying they are not free, it absolves one from actual doing something substantial about it, rather than enjoy their comfortable live, if that be the case. I don't think governments, apart from those explicit tyrannies and dictatorships etc, are the malevolent bastards we make them out to be. Sure, they might be corrupt, inefficient and incompetent govt but that's about it.
Political philosophy aside, the general attitude of the person is survival. In an environment, we form relationships for that reason, to preserve ourselves, our belonging and people important to us. So then it seems that cooperative bodies are a given. That being the fact that it is, it follows that the formation of governments etc is inevitable. In those government, those people share in a social contract to preserve societies. Of course these don't have to be only one sort of governmental organisation, they can take on any shape.
Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts @deadsparrow. After re-reading and mulling over your comment for quite a while, I feel that I understand or at least can acknowledge where you are coming from in order to write as thoughtful of a response as your very thoughtful original comment.
I do agree that claiming lack of freedom while not working towards attaining it, is an irresolute and self-absolvent behavior. I also agree and can attest to the truth that developed countries have a lot of options for their citizens. However, I personally still can't comfortably consider these options and/or opportunities freedoms in the (american english) linguistic frame or definitive sense.
I deeply believe and agree that humans are social creatures. We are complex beings with the capacity to feel deeply, and I think utilizing our versatile range of emotions is necessary for human happiness. This innately then should presume social activities, societies and formative groups as important parts of our lives . Because really, everything in this world is structured, down to the very energies from which we are composed.
My biggest take-away from looking into this word 'free', is re-examining and re-considering the intentions, the blueprints, and the utility of the structures in place. Many nations provide ample opportunities for their citizens, but we are lacking the ability to naturalize ourselves freely, without any possibility of legal recompense, without judgement from or abandonment of society.
If our government structures are or ever were built with corrupt, inefficient or incompetent intent, we should utilize our scientific and human 'advancement' to adapt. Creating structures which are honest , efficient, and competent at providing positive foundations for the individuals within their society to thrive upon.
I believe that this can be done through adaption of pre-existing structures as long as they are not based on ideologies which disregard natural balance and the importance of retaining a healthy environment. If we try to adapt our systems which are too far from center, we risk breaking these systems or failing entirely.
Perhaps we may find more freedom if we can focus on promoting localization, naturalization preservation + adaptation of societal structures which allow free (in every definition) transition from the game of power, survival + competition towards an honest life of adaptation, harmonization + community.