Freedom is the ability to do as one pleases within the framework of the law. Yet to me at least freedom is also independence and independence of thought without undue external influence or factors affecting such independence or one’s individuality such as outside agendas, of others or media.
It is here that man reaches authenticity for in not being swayed by the custom and convention of the times he can attain originality.
In the modern world with its myriad of distractions from social media to advertising and marketing and rampant consumerist nature man can often lose this authenticity by succumbing to materialism that is the pursuit of happiness externally when the well of happiness lies within himself.
Yet, despite the materialistic nature of the modern world it is easier in our time for man to be free than in previous era’s for we have abolished slavery, harsh working conditions and long hours of service albeit trading some of our time in return for financial gain (basically work, a fair compromise) man has it easier in these times than in the past is my main argument.
The pursuit of wisdom can provide its own contentment and happiness rather than buying the latest gizmo from a corporation with a trillion dollar market cap. This latter form of shopping therapy if one may call it that is only temporary form of happiness and its relief usually short lived. By this I’m not necessarily critiquing capitalism but its side effect which is consumerism.
I think it’s a true measure of freedom of what man does with his free time, and just because a man may have more free time does not necessarily mean he is freer for he could still be a slave to some passion or other obsession.
In this respect then freedom is ultimately happiness and contentment although not of the type that money can buy. For if happiness can be bought it’s not happiness but a short term satisfaction of needs.
My limited emulation of the Epicureans helps me maintain a sense of joy by living simply, keeping my needs modest and valuing relationships or quality time alone over material possessions or status. I really like to do nothing, just dick around at home.
It also seems to me that unhappiness and anxiety often comes from chasing shiny objects and careerist excesses, when all we really need is fairly basic. While I never think much about freedom and find its fetishisation irritating, I suppose I like to be as free as possible from greed, need and desire as I can. But paradoxically, if you work too hard at that, it becomes its own burden and thraldom.
How would you ensure you do not give in to material excess (not that in of itself is bad) beyond the bare necessities of buying a car say as a mode of transportation would buying say a Porsche make you happier than say a ford ?
I disagree in that sometimes more expensive things means better quality or craftsmanship and could endure longer but this is not always the case as sometimes your paying for the company’s marketing expense and it’s easy to fall into the trap of more expensive = better.
Kierkegaard said that freedom was the ability to do things. Some agency is very difficult and a cause of suffering. Ordinary work that I have experienced has been bounded by the need to become inured to several hardships. Rights given through legislation are negated if not actually viable as principle of action.
Each day that I am as free as possible from both harm and fear I am happy (i.e. free for flourishing with ease). NB: Laozi, Epicurus & Spinoza are my exemplars.
Words are contextual and so there’s a reluctance to engage with the question given in the title of the thread, but I’ll over-ride that. Freedom is not having to ride the roller-coaster of happiness and unhappiness. But then there’s nothing to which this ‘freedom’ can be ascribed.
So freedom lies not in the spectrum between happiness and unhappiness…in that it cannot be ascribed in such terms … so how would you best describe freedom to yourself, if it can be described ?
Would you not equate freedom with happiness perhaps by not taking freedom for granted?
They emerged in parallel with the emergence of society I suppose which could be traced to Ancient Greece with their conception of democracy.
Man is not necessarily solitary in that we have to interact with others in exchange for goods and services regulated by some form of government to ensure we don’t rip each other off or worse with impunity by enacting justice, policing and healthcare.
Clearly, my freedom depends on not being oppressed. I need to be free to determine how my day goes, and free to express my opinions (but I would never be hateful).
That is pretty abstract. Who secured your set of rights not enjoyed by other people in your time of living? It is by that measure others speak of what they do not have.