“Freedom Is Not A License But Wisdom To Choose What Is Right For Oneself”

Everyone has their own version of the word Freedom some see it as their absolute right to do anything while some take it as their tool of power. But no one actually knows the real meaning of freedom. Many a times, question arises in my mind that what is Freedom? Why is it necessary? Does it mean, we have the right to do anything at our own will? Or is there any limit on it? Rousseau once said “Freedom is the power to choose our own chains” But still The meaning of the word Freedom is not understandable by all. It is a word often misunderstood has long been the crux of conflicts between generations. Since, time immemorial, Youth have appeared to advocate change through an unconditional license to have their way. Often appearing to, in the process, under value the importance of control & guidance.

About a month ago, I wanted to stimulate the minds of youth with this real life dilemmas, every soul craves to be free, to be able to express oneself & be able to manifest what is within itself so as to achieve a feeling of fulfillment, but often in the journey of life & various stages of growth of the heart, mind & the intellect their comes a cross-road type situation where the personal notions of freedom do not coverage with the collective understanding of word Freedom, for example- the youth today wants more individual freedom, more individual privacy, less control & influence by controlling authorities. They think that they deserve it & that they can handle things & situation of their own, though this manifestation of things is commendable & reassuring to their adult well-wishers but Is that really the case? Is that freedom used in right manner or the detriment of the selves?

When we demand freedom, are we ready for it? Are we mature enough to understand what we are asking? Are we competent enough to handle the double edged sword? Do we ever realize that even the fastest car or aeroplane has a brake alongside a accelerator ? Do we as the Youth of today know where to locate that INTERNAL BRAKES within our hearts & minds.

Freedom in the rhetorical sense does not mean giving us the liberty to do whatever may or may not be our capability. It may empower us the ability to act for ourselves. However, freedom is not meant to allow us to act in accordance to any way or wish to. In the philosophical sense, it is enlightening us, giving us freedom to decide for ourselves. It is up to us, we are free to think what we want, we are free to make a sensible & logical decision which will not be burden nor be cumbersome to ourselves. Freedom gives us the path to think about all things freely but the key of choosing right way is should be in our mind. To me having the availability of freedom means that I can voice my opinion wherever & whenever I feel the urge to without fear of being prosecuted. Freedom to me is my right to express myself in any way I choose. Freedom is defined as liberty of action or thought.

In right context, it is more than just free to do what oneself wants. Certainly, it does not mean the right to do as one pleases but only until your choices start to infringe on other person’s freedom. The word freedom contains a deep meaning in it, people has the desire for freedom as well as a desire for limitations on their freedom. Freedom & limitations on it are both needed to achieve the goal of absolute freedom. It is a synonym of license which means restrictions.

When we see Freedom as wisdom to choose what is right, it is essential to understand what is wisdom? Wisdom at first glance would be defined as the ability to apply knowledge & ability to differentiate between what is moral & logical. Henry David Thoreau was quotes as saying “It is the characteristic of wisdom not to disparate things”. This statement implies that a person having Wisdom, does not jump to reach conclusions but makes an educated decision based on the information or intelligence provided. This statement also involves the real meaning of freedom.

Therefore, it does not mean license but needs wisdom, wisdom of using one’s freedom which will help the society in overcoming the problem of dominating one’s freedom by other. It can also be viewed as an individual responsibility towards others. And with wisdom person achieves the intellect to decide god or bad. So, when Freedom & Wisdom are clubbed together the desired goal of the Freedom is achievable.

“Don’t Misuse The Freedom, Make Use Of It In A Correct Manner”