Today America celebrates its independence as a nation, and all Americans celebrate their freedom to live as they choose. The words independence and freedom, by definition, allow us as individuals and citizens of America to choose how to live. How freeing! But is freedom always free?
"It has been said by some physicians, that life is a forced state. The same may be said of freedom. It requires efforts, it presupposes mental and moral qualities of a high order to be generally diffused in the society where it exists." [John C. Calhoun, speech, U.S. House of Representatives, Jan. 31, 1816] What is he saying? After all, doesn't freedom imply laissez faire, or carte blanche to do whatever we want? Does our society expect something more from us? Should we expect more from ourselves? Is John Calhoun correct in his assertion that while we are free to choose our path, making choices that are morally and mentally sound may be key to our freedom as individuals and as a people? What then will serve as our compass, to ensure we will be free? John Calhoun's words may contain the answer, as he says freedom "presupposes mental and moral qualities," which suggests we look not only to our minds, but also to our hearts. When we let our hearts be our guides, we will generally make choices reflecting love, which will lead us to a moral, and therefore, free place for all. Freedom is an awesome gift - use it lovingly and joy will follow. Happy Independence Day!
2 Comments
10/27/2019 11:48:06 pm
Happy independence day, everyone! Because of so many things that we think nowadays, it seems like everything has became more complicated than ever. There are questions we tend to ask ourselves, One of that has something to do Wirth the idea of freedom. I am sure that we are having a hard time understanding it because freedom doesn't give everyone an assurance that we are all free. Perhaps, not all people could actually have it.
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CLW
10/28/2019 03:38:38 am
While true that freedom does not give the assurance that all are free, if we look inside ourselves, and let love and joy be our guide, freedom has a better fighting chance for us and for all.
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Lucindi
author of "JOY" Archives
January 2019
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