Three freedoms
December 22nd, 2022
Another curious quote from a book I read yesterday: "There are fundamental, even primary, forms of freedom: the freedom to move; the freedom to disobey orders; the freedom to reorganize social relations.” That few words really struck me in a way that I had to stop reading and think for a while about it —
The freedom to move — is obvious. And underappreciated. From my standpoint as a white, middle-aged, European male, I got this freedom. I can move and travel anywhere in the world, limited only by money and my choice. Would I be welcomed in all the places I can travel to? Possibly not, but that is another story, and I could just keep on moving until finding a more inviting place. But I do remember growing up on the wrong side of the “Iron Curtain” and knowing that I was limited to moving within the set of arbitrary borders based only on the place of my birth. And that was disappointing to a curious child.
The freedom to disobey orders — is not obvious. And should be more spoken about. As a white, middle-aged, European male — I got this freedom. I don't use it very often because I am a good and well-behaved member of society who doesn't like to make a scene. Also, I am lazy and comfortable, and set in my ways. I wouldn't want to go against the grain. I could, of course, speak loudly against any orders — just or unjust. And I do — from behind the anonymity of this random blog. But I have it and I know I can use it and the worst that can happen to me is only (possibly) a mild discomfort. And yet, I am wary and scared of it.
The freedom to reorganize social relations — I feel I know what it is about, but I cannot vocalize it in any sensible way. I will try, though — I think this is the rarest of all freedoms. Not well understood, even by those who in unusual and violent ways try to implement it. Not seen as freedom by the masses. Belittled and suppressed and made fun of by those in power and their minions (like the vast majority of academicals and journalists). Usually requiring a wholesale sacrifice of those who dared to exercise it. And some mild inconvenience of those who in the end would benefit from it. So, it is not a starter for the majority of the population. But curiously, as I get older, the clearer it becomes to me that I can be a part of the change of understanding that freedom. All I need to do is to dare.
