What Is Freedom?

Freedom. Seems so illusive.

Yet, every living thing is born free.

Many just lose freedom during the course of their lives.

Why is that?

It’s been said that it’s taken by people who wish control over it.

Yet, how is that possible?

How can someone or something take your freedom away from you? If one is not free, is it because they have no permission to be so? Or have they just made bad or irresponsible choices in their own lives. The lives they alone are responsible for in freedom. Has freedom been taken? Or handed over because of a faith in others. Those who you wish to believe will keep you free. Is it their job? And why would anyone trust another with something of such worth? Would you hand them your children, and hope they would raise them as you wish? It is the same ideology.

It is always much easier to point the finger at those who are not at fault.

So, what is freedom?

Freedom is a state of mind. A discipline of the will, of the body, and the soul.

Freedom is prevention. It is preparedness. It is in itself the practice of common sense long-lost. And it is missed.

How can one ask for freedom from others? They cannot. They can defend their freedom against others, and that is all. In this day, and in history, too many have bought into the lies of a self serving society. The argument goes back and forth as to who is at fault for the loss of freedom. Yet very few do something about it. Always an excuse. Always so many words. Always someone waiting for someone else to do the job for them. To make them free. That is not possible. Anyone who would claim to make you free, or provide you freedom, is lying to you. Freedom is inherent. It is a birthright. Many use the ploy of giving one freedom to hide agendas for their own well-being. If it were so easy to be free, none of what is going on today would be happening. And freedom would not have failed over the millenia. If all were able to purchase, or obtain in any way, freedom from another source, do you not think that all would live free? Of course they would.

So, then, it is a job. It is work. It is the sovereigns profession. One of many. Liberty is one of the most honorable professions. Freedom is not free, it is a gift, yet cannot be given. There is no monetary value on it. It is not in the words we speak. It is not the people we follow in life. It is only the actions that we ourselves take.

Do you find yourself hoping that a bill is passed? A legislation comes through? A new president or any other leader takes the bull by the horns? That a cumulative economy, or a new entitlement or stimulus will repair things? That a coerced universal society will come about to help all in need? Why would anyone wish to trust people they do not know, to know what they need? And who will reciprocate these provisions to the needy, if they choose to remain needy? It too is a failed circle. Charity. Especially forced charity. History has shown that those who are given fish, never learn to fish themselves. And the fisherman love to take advantage of that. All they care about is how much they can get for the fish that these needy people need. And they will find any means possible to collect.

Are you being honest with yourself? How needy are you? How much are you willing to give up to get that fish? How much have you already given? Are you a fisherman? Are you one of the needy? Or could you even be the bait? Do you practice your freedom? Do you know how to take care of yourself in times of trouble, without the assistance of others? For real freedom depends on no one but the self. This my friends is why freedom itself is terrifying for some.

Incomprehensible for others. There is too much need in this world. And it is disguised in many fashions. Can you recognize it? That is certainly key. There are many that have no pole, no bait, and no waters, that claim to know how to fish, and they are very willing to teach you. But how? More lies.

Ask yourself these things. Can you defend yourself? Are you equipped with the correct knowledge to do so, both physically and emotionally? Can you feed and shelter yourself? How would you obtain what you need, if you don’t depend on another source for your needs. For each source only cares about their own definition of their freedom. It is the human condition. Do you depend on the thoughts and deeds of others to “make it”?

Could you survive real freedom? Most do not have the skill set. Thus why the fear, the anger, and the need for blame runs so rampant. It is merely the apathetic nature of the world. The inability to take charge of the self. The habit of distraction, ill will to others in a guise of caring, speaking when one should be learning what is real, what is truly concrete, what actually works.

Our economy is looking bleak. In reality, it has been for decades. Another historic failure of a republic gone wrong. Of liberty ignored, and even shut out for convenience sake. Our psychology as a nation has been bleak for decades as well. We are as creatures of this earth, slaves to a few. And it is our own fault. Look at yourself, and those around you. How many in your own homes, communities, and mirrors, are counting on someone else to repair what is broken once again? Do you have a way of working through it, or around it, should things go awry? For history whispers that this will be a necessity. Do you lend an ear to one who practices, or one who preaches? And do you listen, or only re-preach the words. Too many preachers in the pulpit is just as bad as too many cooks in the kitchen. It always makes a very unsatisfying, or even disastrous result.

The realist sovereign knows that freedom is singular, not collective. One large assumption the would be sovereign always seems to make is that a collectivist society will protect them. Then, they unwittingly follow in the steps of those who would enslave, and in turn, enslave themselves. History has shown this collectivist ideology to fail, every time. So why do we practice the same failures of yesteryear? It is not collectivism that the free man should seek, but cooperation.

Each “citizen” has failed every time to ask some simple questions. “What have I done to maintain my freedom today? Have I made sure that no one can take advantage of me? What forms of prevention will keep me well, keep me safe, keep me free?”

What have you personally done to be free? Keeping in mind the saying “talk is cheap”. And most speak is controlled by those who would do you harm anyway. Even those whom you think to be helpful. Philosophy alone will not keep one free, but many will sell it as such. For it is psychology, not philosophy that runs this earth. If you choose to follow philosophy, follow your own. It is your own personal philosophy, combined with your own personal habits that make the difference. Many have philosophy, yet it is only those who practice them and prove them correct that should be given any warrant.

Ditch the bad habits. The sooner the better. The free are certainly aware of what is around them, but they don’t allow it to consume them. Once something is stated, it is stated. No amount of turning the words around will change the meaning of truth. Truth is undeniable. The truly free will not repeat anything that is not worth repeating. And there are very few that use words successfully in a fight for freedom. They can make one aware, but still cannot make them free. The truly free and well versed don’t wish to be your leader, for they have enough to do themselves to keep themselves and their families free. It is an ongoing, lifelong practice, and if one does not act daily, all the work can go up in a cloud of smoke. It truly is that easy to lose. Most leaders people follow, are not free themselves. Not that all aren’t free. Just most. And those of the awareness sect that disregard their own freedom, thinking that making others aware will “repair it all” are also living a lie within themselves.

So act. If you lead yourself by action, you lead others to act. Action speaks louder than words. Action paints a picture, and each picture is worth a thousand words. Break your bad habits? They alone keep you from being free? Forgive yourself your failures, and start anew. It is not impossible, unless you alone convince yourself that it is.

Picture your freedom. Paint the complete masterpiece in your head. Then act upon that vision. Increase your skill set. Do what makes you happy, and is constructive for your lifestyle and needs as a truly sovereign individual. You will be surprised the rewards. Some expected, some unexpected.

Another important thing to know about the picture you paint. The picture is different for each individual there is, for each level of freedom is individual as well, and there is personal preference to consider, and personal skill as well. No two paintings will ever be alike. It is cooperation that makes the community, if you choose to be in one. Coercion by you or those around you should not be involved. Only free will. And free will only works in conjunction with good will. Coercion is governed by agenda. Never forget that. For we live in a society, and not all those in a society are of good will. It will never happen. Knowing this, understand that complete freedom is improbable. Yet, not impossible.

So, if you paint this living picture of freedom in your own life, it does a couple of things. It keeps you the individual free. It is an absolute. Should others wish to argue it, that is their choice. Yet it is yours. And if it works for you, who cares what others think. People put too much creedence in the thoughts of others. No one can argue your freedom, if you have proven it’s worth.

An important fact that is overlooked is that the painting should never, ever, be considered complete. For those who do paint their pictures and act upon them know that the picture will change. There are many variables to life that are unpredictable. And in these times, you may need to adjust a few images. It is normal. It is applauded. It is necessary.

So, it matters not what freedom is to others? Freedom demands that you define it for yourself, and live it. Or don’t, but then, don’t complain either. The choice is yours, and yours alone. Choice is freedom too after all. Begin the habit of good choices, and by all means, practice patience for yourself, and others. For freedom does not happen over night. Yet by simply starting freedom as a task, and not an ideology, taking that first step into freedom’s reality, you can lead the legacy of generations to come in what will become small sovereign communities.

Even if it only starts as a community of one, it won’t stay that way long. Not if you truly trust that freedom is the right thing. And you act upon it every day in some way. Others will follow your example. It never fails.

So what of the revolutions? The movements? Well, those of good will are sometimes lost too. Yet, one must remember that good intentions never go unpunished. Those who only follow the words are fools. Their habits drive them to love the misery. The anti-solutionism. And misery loves company. Thus why there are so many miserable words….a so few actions of true faith. It is just easier to tell others what to do, and not practice it, now isn’t it?

So start ignoring the nonsense. If everyone ignored it, would it not go away?

Indeed it would.

Peace, and smiles to the free, the examples of sovereignty.

May they live lifetimes.