What Does It Mean To Be Truly Free Essay

What does it mean to be “truly free”? When asking this question on the street, the majority of people might reply that being “truly free” is having the ability to do anything without restriction. In truth, this is a common misunderstanding of freedom. Freedom, at its core, is the ability for people to do what they ought, not simply what they want. In order to be truly free, one should have the power to act, to speak, and to think as he or she ought, not only without hindrance but also without affecting his or her surroundings. True freedom is the choice to do what is right. Pope John Paul II once stated, “Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.” Freedom is a form of power. This power comes

While living in a modern society, being “truly free” means people have the power to act as they ought without bothering the surroundings. According to Ebonstorm’s article, “freedom is a summation of everyone’s abilities to enjoy the same rights, liberties and expectations of happiness...and to the improvement of our mutual society.” This quote demonstrates that freedom and society are on two completely opposite sides, people are not able to gain benefits from both. If people want the benefits of living in society, some personal freedom seems to has to give away to ensure everyone is enjoying the work. Being truly free means that people need to do things that are not harming to their surrounding. One’s freedom is actually dependent on others. As the author of the article Totally Free stated, “A better world would combine essential human freedoms with the understanding that my freedom should not conflict with your rights to lead a safe and happy life.” (6) In the modern civil society, people should consider other’s rights when they exercise their own freedoms. Therefore, more engagement in the social activities might require people to have the concerns of others, and these concerns may limit their ability to do what they want. Nevertheless, these concerns of others help people take responsibilities of their actions, and therefore help them