When you think of the word "Slavery" what comes to your mind?
"the ability to do whatever you want" would likely be the most common answer.
But I, along with the charecter of Alberto Knox in the philosophical novel Sophie's World do not think this is the best definition.
Plato and Socrates once argued that obeying one's impulses- these could include acting reckless, hunger, lust and so on. could be a form of slavery on it's own (termed: mental slavery)
This concept sparked an interest in me and made me realise how, according to me, there is no such thing as true freedom- the very concept is just an illusion.
Every action we do, regardless of how absurd, originates from a certain source- frustrations from lack of freedom and excessive restrictions leads to fantasies of breaking the rules which leads to reckless and impulsive actions.
And most of us, even when "breaking the rules" tend to subconciously restrict ourselves.
For example- 1-A child is not allowed to play video games at any cost 2-Lead to fantasties of playing video games
3-Frustrations grow as their fantasies get stronger and more tempting
4-Child grows up and ends up accessing video games
5-Adult ends up playing video games constantly because they are "free to do so"
At first glance it may seem that this child is free, after all they can finally play their video games.
But truth is they are not free- they still have restrictions it is just that the rules have changed.
The child went from being restricted in playing video games over the parent's fear of their child being addicted to An adult being addicted to video games and does not want to stop over fears that they will get deprived from this activity if they stop.
I believe freedom, even the very basic one, can only be obtained once we understand and appreciate the purpose of freedom.
Rather than having the goal of "achieving complete freedom" instead I advice to focus on what you plan to achieve with that freedom.
If you want financial freedom do not just focus on trying to obtain it as it can lead to you being trapped in a mental prison where you feel yourself pressured to "earn that freedom" and disappointment if you do not achieve it by a certain time
Instead focus on the why- why do you want financial freedom? One reason is that you can live life on your own terms, You can spend on what you want and afford the type of life you think you deserve.
Focusing on that goal rather than the general concept of financial freedom allows you to be more open towards taking risks in pursuing that goal. You are not restricted and held back by the changing paths.
Comments