I enjoy reading about topics like happiness, success, and freedom because those values mean something different to everyone. In other words, my definition of freedom might be different from yours. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that as long as you take the time to develop your own definition. Even when I disagree with someone else, reading about topics like these makes me reflect. We all need to discuss things like these, but they are difficult to discuss in everyday conversation. With that in mind, I compiled a series of quotes about freedom that might help you develop your own definition.
To be free, master yourself
“No man is free who is a master of himself”
Epictetus
We all know we must challenge ourselves. Although this comes in different forms, we know we must do it to grow. Some people like to challenge themselves mentally. They want to learn new things, put them into practice, learn from their mistakes, and fully immerse themselves in that activity. Others want to master a physical discipline. Seneca famously said, “The body should be treated rigorously, that it may not be disobedient of the mind.” Regardless of the path you choose, man finds purpose in doing something challenging.
To be free, educate yourself
“Only the educated are free.”
Epictetus
Despite what a lot of people think, getting an education is free. If you have an internet connection, you can access a lot of free content (websites, blogs, podcasts, and YouTube videos). Naval Ravikant once said “We live in the age of Alexandria when every book and every piece of knowledge ever written down is a fingertip away. The means of learning are abundant—it’s the desire to learn that is scarce.” Likewise, you can go to a library and have access to some of the best thinkers in history without spending a dime. Ryan Holiday once wrote, “If I had to steal books to support my reading habit, I would.” For most people, it’ll never come to that and if you’re reading this, that means you have access to the internet which makes things easier. Take advantage of that.
Freedom means responsibility
“Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it.”
George Bernard Shaw
If you ever achieve freedom, what will you do with it? That’s a difficult question to think about, but we must have an answer to it. Bob Dylan once said, “I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom.” In other words, you can’t be free without being of service to others.
Freedom means solitude
“A man can be himself only so long as he is alone; and if he does not love solitude, he will not love freedom; for it is only when he is alone that he is really free.”
Arthur Schopenhauer
This quote sounds like a cliche, but that’s what makes it so powerful. Freedom involves solitude, but a lot of people are uncomfortable being by themselves, especially in the modern world where we’re used to distractions. Blaise Pascal once wrote, “All men’s miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone”. Yet most people can’t do that which is a shame. The worst part is that we’re training ourselves to enjoy those little distractions instead of pursuing the big dreams.