What the freedom really is and how to achieve it

Always look up “big” words. Their meanings hide their true identities.

How would you define freedom? Here’s what the dictionary says:

“the right to do what you want, make your own decisions, and express your own opinions; a situation in which you are not affected by something unpleasant” (English dictionary from Macmillan Publishers Limited)

As a word, “freedom” consists of two parts: “free” and “dom”, as in “domination”. Funny part: “free” also means “not requiring any payment”. Which gives us the third possible definition of freedom: a state where money is not important. So, here’s what freedom actually is:

  1. Freedom is doing what you want to do. Of course, with the 20/80 rule: if 80% of things you do in your life are activities that you enjoy and genuinely want to do, you are free. The other part goes to inevitable inconveniences of life. This leads to the following conclusion: if you want to feel free, try decreasing the amount of stuff you hate AND/OR increase the amount of activities you like performing.
  2. Freedom is making your own decisions. Especially when you need to make a decision not to make any, as there are times when it’s better to stay still.
  3. Freedom is having opinions and defending them. Sometimes our opinions clash with the majority, but choosing to uphold an unpopular belief is truly liberating. Of course, we are talking “peaceful” opinions, not hate speech. But being a floppy human without anything you truly stand for will make you dependable on opinions of others.
  4. Freedom is valuing yourself and your needs. Never be ashamed of taking care of yourself: you’ll never feel free if you let others control your lifestyle. Go ahead and question this article, if it imposes ideas against your personal comfort!
  5. Freedom is using capitalism for humanitarian needs. Yes, unfortunately, this is the way our life is: money is a tremendously huge factor. And, until every country turns into a Denmark, your ability to feel free will depend on your financial state. Overthrowing capitalism is a subject for another article, so for now the idea is clear. Yes, go for that job, take those opportunities to increase your income, sell stuff, set up start-ups, do whatever it takes to improve your financial state. Then, feel happy about not having to worry about money, feel free and stable. And then, help others as you can.

Because the most liberating thing is giving.

Help other people feel this freedom. Find one person and help them locate their true calling in life. Take responsibility and teach your kids to take it too. Get familiar with polar opinions and figure out your own. Always put yourself first, take care of yourself so you are able to care for others. Get money and spend it to make others (and yourself) feel happy. Choose true freedom.

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