I read something about freedom recently that I can’t believe I previously missed.
PICTURE: Jonas Jaeken/Unsplash
Most of the time we imagine, or declare, that freedom is an escape from responsibility. Isn’t that what we want? “I want to be free! Free to do what I want, free from responsibility.”
But in a huge irony exercising freedom, making our own choices, makes us solely responsible for what we do. “If I choose this, I can’t blame anyone else. I am responsible.” Freedom has the burden, or curse, of responsibility.
We are free to choose but we are not free from the consequences of our choices.
To choose freedom is to accept responsibility. If you avoid responsibility, you are not free, you’re just a child.
Wow, taking responsibility is what shows you are finally free. Are you free?
Paul Clark’s musings can be heard on radio across Australia and at atthetop.org.au.
