RE: Do You Define Yourself Free ?
That is quite a profound point you make about the third party restricting the freedom of the first two! I have never thought of it that way, but it makes plenty of sense to me. Love that wisdom, wow!
I guess my own responses would be as follows:
Define freedom in your own words
The ability to pursue your desires without interference from others
What are the limits of freedom?
I am not free to interfere with other people's pursuits of their desires when those pursuits do not entail interference with other's desires (I sort of folded your three party example into here. So person A can stop person B from interfering with person A or C)
According to the answers to these questions, do you define yourself free?
No, I would not consider myself completely free. I submit to the rules and laws of a government, of which I do not always agree. But I value the sacrifice of freedom in exchange for the security, convenience, and services that this government provides. I do not want or need unlimited freedom in order to be happy, so under your definition I would have freedom, but under mine, I do not.
Thanks for the thought-provoking think piece!
Thanks a lot for your comment.
I think your limits of freedom can be abused. I mean, you can find yourself in person B unintentionally any minute. Or the majority could be restrict minorty. But if there is no abuse, I agree you.
And about being free, your definition is quite strong. But in government issues, no one can satisfy everybody. So in your definition, there is no way to make everyone free. But I don't think like that. Because, even if you do not agree with the some rules of laws, you can still be happy. Harmless happiness.
I mean, you don't drink Starbucks coffee but the new law says all Starbucks coffee shops must be closed. And you do not agree with that. You can still be free, still have harmless happiness.
I like it - freedom as "harmless happiness" is an interesting concept. I will have to think about this more over the next few days. Deep stuff!
Take your time my friend. Thinking is our best way.
And arguing too. I hope I can see your ideas in future.
Thank you.