Freedom

[Sayra]

What is "freedom"?

Do you think it is possible to be really free in modern society?

[DayDreamer]

To me, freedom is having the right to pursue my (legal) hobbies as I see fit, to live where I want to, go where I want to, dress how I want to, marry who I want to, choose whether or not I bear (more) children, and live my life by my terms.

But with freedom comes responsibility. I live where I want to, provided that I continue to pay the cost it requires (i.e., rent). I dress how I want to, provided it suits the legal boundaries of decency and the location (no bikini at work, thanks). I married who I wanted to, but had to be divorced from the previous husband first (which was years ago, so not an issue).

You can be free in modern society, but there ARE standards and limits.

Basically... you have your freedom until it infringes upon mine.

[Sayra]

Having standards and limits...it in a certain sense the opposite of freedom, isn't it?

I don't think it's possible to be 100% free if you want to fit in. You need to know the rules and obey them...and if you want to have love and respect you have to sometimes do things you don't really like or want to, to make others happy.

Not saying this is wrong, just that it is.

[Sayra]

I like this quote:

For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.

Nelson Mandela (1918 - )

[JPSartre12]

I like this quote:

Ironic, coming from a communist.

[eva]

I think freedom is the opposite of slavery. As long as we are not enslaved we are free.

[Book Wizard]

free⋅dom [free-duhm]

–noun 1. the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint: He won his freedom after a retrial.
2. exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc.
3. the power to determine action without restraint.
4. political or national independence.
5. personal liberty, as opposed to bondage or slavery: a slave who bought his freedom.
6. exemption from the presence of anything specified (usually fol. by from): freedom from fear.
7. the absence of or release from ties, obligations, etc.
8. ease or facility of movement or action: to enjoy the freedom of living in the country.
9. frankness of manner or speech.
10. general exemption or immunity: freedom from taxation.
11. the absence of ceremony or reserve.
12. a liberty taken.
13. a particular immunity or privilege enjoyed, as by a city or corporation: freedom to levy taxes.
14. civil liberty, as opposed to subjection to an arbitrary or despotic government.
15. the right to enjoy all the privileges or special rights of citizenship, membership, etc., in a community or the like.
16. the right to frequent, enjoy, or use at will: to have the freedom of a friend's library.
17. Philosophy. the power to exercise choice and make decisions without constraint from within or without; autonomy; self-determination. Compare necessity (def. 7).

Origin:
bef. 900; ME fredom, OE frēodōm. See free, -dom

[kingclick]

bookwizard...

We all have a computer and can google the dictionary. Define freedom for yourself? Or don't you have your own thoughts on the subject?

[kingclick]

Freedom for me is the ability to choose with full knowledge of the consequences of the choices I can make.

[Book Wizard]

I define words by what the dictionary says since that IS the definition of the word. I have no need to make up definitions. If you don't like that, tough shit.

[Pops In]

Ironic, coming from a communist.
:confused: Did I miss something?

[Sayra]

free⋅dom [free-duhm]

–noun 1. the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint: He won his freedom after a retrial.
2. exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc.
3. the power to determine action without restraint.
4. political or national independence.
5. personal liberty, as opposed to bondage or slavery: a slave who bought his freedom.
6. exemption from the presence of anything specified (usually fol. by from): freedom from fear.
7. the absence of or release from ties, obligations, etc.
8. ease or facility of movement or action: to enjoy the freedom of living in the country.
9. frankness of manner or speech.
10. general exemption or immunity: freedom from taxation.
11. the absence of ceremony or reserve.
12. a liberty taken.
13. a particular immunity or privilege enjoyed, as by a city or corporation: freedom to levy taxes.
14. civil liberty, as opposed to subjection to an arbitrary or despotic government.
15. the right to enjoy all the privileges or special rights of citizenship, membership, etc., in a community or the like.
16. the right to frequent, enjoy, or use at will: to have the freedom of a friend's library.
17. Philosophy. the power to exercise choice and make decisions without constraint from within or without; autonomy; self-determination. Compare necessity (def. 7).

Origin:
bef. 900; ME fredom, OE frēodōm. See free, -dom

the bolded: all these are part of our lives in some form, aren't they?
I guess you can't really be 100% free then :)

[Sayra]

Freedom for me is the ability to choose with full knowledge of the consequences of the choices I can make.

Nice one KC :)

[ScottyA]

Ironic, coming from a communist.

Is this based solely on the fact that she resides in a country that has had a socialist government? WE aren't even sure if she is an Italian citizen.

Because if that is the case, might I remind you that not all Russians and other people living in the USSR were communists. I think "we" might be a little off base.

[kingclick]

I define words by what the dictionary says since that IS the definition of the word. I have no need to make up definitions. If you don't like that, tough ****.Then you give us nothing here that we don't already have access to. Don't you realize we all already have the internet and a computer to do a google of words?

I mean it's like walking into a restaurant and asking them what kind of chicken noodle soup they make and they hand you a menu that says....chicken noodle soup.

Wow thanks for the insight there!

[kingclick]

Is this based solely on the fact that she resides in a country that has had a socialist government? WE aren't even sure if she is an Italian citizen.

Because if that is the case, might I remind you that not all Russians and other people living in the USSR were communists. I think "we" might be a little off base.Don't waste your breath Scotty. JP is just doing his best to be an ass.

[JPSartre12]

:confused: Did I miss something?

Obviously. I was commenting on Nelson Mandela's quote, not you this time, Pops. ;)

[Book Wizard]

I used a dictionary, KC. I have been looking up definitions since before you were a twinkle in your Daddy's eye. I like real definitions of words because words are my avocation. I prefer my use of words to be accurate.

[kingclick]

Ok BW...

[flygirl]

When did I miss Sayra turning commie?
I GOTTA stop skimming.

[Sayra]

When did I miss Sayra turning commie?
I GOTTA stop skimming.

:lol:

[Pops In]

Obviously. I was commenting on Nelson Mandela's quote, not you this time, Pops. ;)Not at all obvious, as is apparent. However, whether Sayra, Mandela or me, and however off topic, you should back up your allegations.

[peteratwar]

Back to moral absolutes ?

In its total meaning, I take freedom to do anything you want. That is total freedom.

Of course that includes killing someone if you fell like it.

Total freedom isn't totally possible in a society where compromises and restrictions are required to keep a balance.

Freedom should allow the individual to lead their life as free from restriction as possible.

The debate is where these restrictions fall.

[Sayra]

Back to moral absolutes ?

In its total meaning, I take freedom to do anything you want. That is total freedom.

Of course that includes killing someone if you fell like it.

Total freedom isn't totally possible in a society where compromises and restrictions are required to keep a balance.

Freedom should allow the individual to lead their life as free from restriction as possible.

The debate is where these restrictions fall.

:agree:

[JPSartre12]

Not at all obvious, as is apparent. However, whether Sayra, Mandela or me, and however off topic, you should back up your allegations.

Do I need to spoonfeed you on Nelson Mandela's predilection for communism? I thought it was common knowledge.

[ScottyA]

JP, given that your original comment did not include Mr. Mandela's quote, only what was said by Sayra, is it little wonder that we might have thought that you were referring to her?

[JPSartre12]

JP, given that your original comment did not include Mr. Mandela's quote, only what was said by Sayra, is it little wonder that we might have thought that you were referring to her?

Understood. I guess I didn't pay too much attention to what was included when I quoted Sayra's post. The quote within the quote didn't copy.
Sorry for the confusion. And sorry Sayra if you thought that I was calling YOU a commie. (You aren't are you?) ;)