The Different Forms of Freedom

Freedom is a term that is used quite frequently in public discourse. We see the word projected on political billboards or used in a companies latest advertising campaign. The modern world aims to convince us that we can do whatever we want. The future is boundless, limitless.

In this article I want to go beyond these conventional notions, and assess two different conceptions of freedom. That is, freedom from and freedom to. This binary view of freedom has been explored by various philosophers and social critics throughout history including Erich Fromm, Charles Taylor and Isiah Berlin.

Freedom From: Also known as negative liberty, freedom from is when an individual is not limited or restricted from pursuing what they want. Moreover, there are no external obstacles or impediments imposed on them by others. Freedom from provides access to opportunities whether we decide to act on them or not. Put crudely, it embodies the ethos of ‘you can’t tell me what do to.’

Freedom To: On the contrary freedom to , also known as positive liberty, is when one has the capacity and will to act in a manner that is consistent with their interests, intentions and values. It is focused on developing and cultivating one’s inner disposition, character and internal locus of control. That is to say, one is the master of their own lives.

Contrasting the Two Freedoms

An example that may further clarify this dichotomy is as follows. An individual may be of legal age and therefore free from the legal restrictions placed on them for consuming alcohol. However, they may develop a bad drinking habit which ultimately hinders their goals of completing their academic studies and pursuing their career.

In this case an individual has negative freedom in the sense that they are free to indulge in alcohol, and no one is coercing them to do so. However, they lack positive freedom as they do not have the willpower to restrain their impulses. They fail to act in their best interests.

Crippled by Choice

Of course, there are exceptions, but by in large modern society represents a fundamental shift away from abiding by the rules, norms, expectations and ways of life of the collective (i.e. tribe or tradition). We are now free to live in whichever way we like. This is particularly apparent in our consumer culture which promises the satisfaction of every desire with the click of a button. The possibilities are endless indeed.

However, as the great existentialist philosopher Søren Kierkegaard astutely observed, “anxiety is the dizziness of freedom.” The abundance of choice can be paralyzing. In addition, merely appeasing our every desire makes us prisoners of our passions and base instincts. As the Buddhist scholar D.T Suzuki explains this is the antithesis of freedom:

Freedom never means lawlessness, wantonness, or libertinism. Those who understand freedom in this latter sense and act accordingly are making themselves slaves to their egotistic passions. They are no longer masters of themselves but most despicable slaves
D.T Suzuck, Mysticism: Christian and Buddhist

Self- Actualization

For the phycologist and scholar Erich Fromm, a healthy and satisfying life requires one to work on cultivating their positive freedom, inner life and character. For Fromm, being freed from societal constraints and restrictions is not an end in itself, but rather a transitory step in the progress towards self-actualization and human flourishing.

When one has a strong sense of purpose and meaning they can more readily overcome external obstacles and work towards a life that aligns with their values and ambitions.

The tag line for this blog is ‘in search of inner freedom.’ One commonality that I have identified that connects different spiritual traditions and philosophies that I’ve researched over the years is the necessity of tending to one’s inner life. Yes, material things make us happy for a while perhaps, but life is often bumpy and unpredictable. Finding nourishment in one’s inner being can help us navigate the uncertain territory that lies ahead.

Lasting freedom can only be found within.

The most important consequence of self-sufficiency is freedom
Epicurus

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The Search for Wisdom in the Information Age

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How can we make sense of it all – the cynicism, arrogance and perpetual noise that is becoming ever more pervasive in our culture.

We live in strange times. Despite have access to almost unlimited information at our fingertips, we remain confused and overwhelmed.

Who am I to believe?

Who am I to trust?

The increasing sophistication of technology becomes anxiety inducing without the insight on how to use it to live well or enhance our wellbeing.

It is like we are drowning in a sea of facts without ability to know what is really important. These problems of discernment and sound judgement stem from the failure of our culture to adequately differentiate between knowledge and wisdom.

Although these two terms seem similar at first glance, it would be a mistake to conflate them.

Knowledge: Technical Know-How

Knowledge refers to one’s understanding and mastery over a subject and a certain set of facts. This can be acquired in school, training or other forms of education. Someone who is knowledgeable in a particular field has acquired a specific set of skills and has the capability of coming to conclusions about a given subject area.

However, just because an individual has acquired mastery over these facts doesn’t imply that they are able to make wise judgements about how to use them. We all know examples of those who have a high degree of intelligence but no basic ‘common sense.’ This often leaves us baffled or scratching our heads. Furthermore, intelligence says nothing about one’s ethical or moral foundations. Someone who is a brilliant student can lack kindness and compassion.

Scientific knowledge and technological advancements have given us modern humans great power and control over the natural world. However, without the wisdom to accompany them, these advances have been used towards destructive ends. Building nuclear weapons, addicting consumers through digital media and expediting environmental destruction are all consequences of using technology to satisfy self-centered and egotistical goals.

Wisdom: Perspective, Character and Judgement

Wisdom is more than the acquisition of merely technical skills. It involves using perspective and discernment to apply one’s unique skills in specific circumstances. Moreover, it requires one to acquire virtues working towards mastering the art of living. Wisdom can’t be learned in textbooks but rather by actively participating and engaging in the world. That is to say it must be embodied in one’s character and disposition.

Through experimentation, experience and trial and error one is able to learn from their mistakes and strive to be in the right relationship to both themselves and others. Wisdom enables us to cut through alienation, self-deception and enhance our connectedness to the world around us.

The Long and Winding Road

So how do we attain wisdom?

This has long been the role of religions and spiritual traditions. Religious figures such as Jesus, Confucius or the Buddha etc. were exemplars who an individual could aspire to in search for truth, beauty and goodness.

In a secular society however, I think the humanities and liberal arts (i.e., literature, history, philosophy) can offer a means to contemplate the big moral and ethical questions of our time. These subjects provide insight into different ideas, cultures and perspectives offering the learner to consider what it is like to ‘be in someone else’s shoes.’ They provide collective insights into what it means to be human both in the past, and in our current day and age. The humanities also enable us to look at the prevailing social norms and customs of our society with a critical lens. Honest and respectful discussion about the values can inspire empathy, understanding and greater co-operation.

Not all problems are technical in nature. Solutions to complex problems often require shifts in our perspectives or value structures, namely changes in how we see the world. This means that we cannot rely only on scientific advancements for the pressing global issues we face but also need shared wisdom and distributed sense making.

The path towards wisdom varies from person to person. It can not be bought or learned through persuasive yet deceptive self-help gurus. Not every answer to our questions can be found on Google.

Wisdom requires work, action and perseverance.

More importantly, it can only be found within.

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The Empty Promises of Consumerism

With Black Friday in recent memory and Christmas shopping right around the corner, what better time to look at the issues of consumerism in our society.

Modern advertising is rather peculiar. If you pay close attention, you’ll realize that many of the commercials you come across don’t actually tell you much about the product that is being sold. The advertisement doesn’t present reasons or rational arguments as to why you should buy the product. Rather it appeals to our deep-seated emotions and desires.

It speaks to our universal longings to be loved, to have close and genuine connections, to be acknowledged, respected and to be authentic.

Let’s take a minute to look at this perfume commercial for Coeur Battant by Louis Vuitton.

Notice how the commercial doesn’t tell you much about the product being sold. What does it smell like? What is the price point? How does it compare to similar brands on the market?

Nonetheless, what the advertisement is conveying to the consumer is a certain image. An image of beauty, attractiveness and desirability from others – namely from other good looking men. With this perfume, and only with this perfume, one can surely achieve the confidence, recognition and status we’ve all desired. Right?

According to recent data, 46% of parents with children under 18 and 48% of those with existing credit card debt are willing to take on more debt in the 2020 Christmas holiday season. What can explain our irrational behaviour as we wait in long lines to buy the newest products on the market or spend far beyond our means on stuff we cannot afford? Why are we never content with what we own?

What is actually being sold to us?

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

To understand the intentions and messages behind modern advertising, we need to look at Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. At the bottom of the pyramid are our basic physiological needs such as food, shelter, clothing and at the top lies self-actualization. One must first satisfy their lower level needs before they begin working up the pyramid.

Maslow’s theory was that once we meet our basic we naturally aspire towards higher developmental needs such as: meaning, purpose, love, friendship etc. The crucial point made by Maslow was that there needs to be a healthy balance between our material, psychological and self-fulfillment needs.

The famous Biblical passage suggesting that we “cannot live on bread alone” speaks exactly to this idea. Humans require more than just physiological nourishment and material things to truly thrive.

The issue is that marketers are selling the idea that buying a product such as luxury clothing or fashion brands (ie. clothing\psychological needs) can fulfill our longing for another higher-level need such as love and belonging or esteem needs. Philosopher Alain De Botton explains this confusion clearly.

Nearly every advert one now cares to consider is selling us one thing while, beneath the surface, hinting at the appeasement of another higher need. It may look like one is buying a bag or a pair of shoes, a stay in a hotel or a kind of drink – but really what is tickling us unconsciously is a secret promise of spiritual goods we ache for a great deal more than we ever do for material possessions: a need for love and meaning, connection and calm, understanding and freedom
Alain De Botton, The Purpose of Advertising

Character Develops Through Repeated Action

Now this is not to say we can not or should not enjoy the pleasures that luxury products bring us. It is rather noting that we should not be deluded into thinking that consuming an item can necessarily satisfy our deep yearnings for psychological wellbeing.

It is easy to get trapped into thinking our issues stem from not having things rather from our own flaws in character and disposition. We can not become mature or become a more admirable or respectable person by purchasing fancy sports cars.

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**What are we really hinting at when we purchase a luxury sports car – perhaps it is our wish for status, admiration and recognition?**

Nothing worthwhile comes easy, and virtue or character can not be bought. As Aristotle claimed, character traits can only be acquired through repeated action and habit. One becomes courageous by performing courageous acts just as someone is considered honest when they consistently act honestly in all circumstances.

Yes, we can enjoy material things and consumer products, but there is a whole other world of possibilities outside of mindless consumerism. These are the ideals written about by the great writers, poets and religions – of transcendence, love, community and meaning.

Whatever we consume ultimately perishes, but who we become, who we are, can last forever.

So, as we get flooded with commercials and advertisements over the holiday season, we can all be a little more skeptical about what is actually being sold.

Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth. I sat at a table where were rich food and wine in abundance, and obsequious attendance, but sincerity and truth were not; and I went away hungry from the inhospitable board
Henry David Thoreau, Walden

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