Greetings everyone!
I'm glad to participate once again in this community weekend engagement post proposed by Sir @galenkp.
Freedom, as we all know, has many or complex explanations. Freedom is a complex concept that has different meanings for different people. My own explanation of the concept freedom may be different from your own perspective or view on the subject matter. We may have positive or negative freedom depending on the aspect or area in which we find it. It can simply means entanglement or the state of being in bondage.
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
— Nelson Mandela
What freedom means to me
Firstly, for me, freedom is the ability to make choices without fear of punishment.
When you are able to make life choices without someone else dictating how things should go in your life, it automatically means that you are free.
I once found myself in a position where my dad dictated the career I should pursue at the university. It wasn't easy for me to say no because I'm still under his authority. It was clear to me that my freedom is not yet granted since I can't say or make choices without external interference.
Furthermore, freedom is the ability to act or speak without constraint.
In a nation where citizens can't easily express themselves, it significantly means that their freedom is not certain. Freedom in this aspect is the ability for one to say his or her mind either via social media or by physical interview without the fear of being punished afterwards.
Constitutionally, freedom is highly recognized by many nationals across the globe, ranging from the freedom of expression to the freedom of movement and other examples of freedom.
Someone who is in prison can't say that he or she has full freedom because his or her movement is limited, as well as his or her freedom of expression. When you can easily act or speak your mind in a civilized manner without causing community nuisance or a form of constraint, this is known as freedom.
Freedom can also be seen as the ability to pursue one's own goals and dreams.
You are not yet free if you can't pursue your dreams or goals. Fear can limit your freedom in this life. When you can chase your dreams without being afraid of failure or what others may think of you, it is a sign that you have the freedom to follow your will.
I have seen people who chose to study a particular course at the university not because they have passion for the course but because they lack the power to say no to the person dictating how their life should go. In this kind of situation, the person's freedom is not yet fully granted.
Lastly, in general, freedom is the ability and capacity to do, live, speak, or act without external interference or impediment.
(PROUDLY AI FREE AND ALL THESE PICTURES ATTACHED TO THIS POST WERE TAKEN USING MY REDMI NOTE 12 AND EDITED USING SNAPSEED)