Being clear about freedom
Freedom is something I care about deeply. I’d even say it’s one of the core motivations of my life - I hope that my works make the world more free and that I am able to experience freedom myself.
But when I say freedom, what do I mean for myself and others?
- That I am free from working in bondage or serfdom?
- That I am free to move about my daily daily life without hassle?
- That I am free to speak my mind without being jailed?
- That I can about my day free from moments where others offend me?
- That I am free to walk around without shoes or clothes?
- That I am free to act without all but the most basic laws and government regulations?
- That I am free from distraction and persuasion to the point where I have control of the content of my own thoughts?
- That I am free to worship without persecution?
- That I am free to drive as fast as I want?
- That I am free to indulge in hedonistic pleasures of any sort?
- That I am free to transact goods and services in markets without restrictions or tariffs?
Being clear about freedom matters, because it’s not possible to design systems without clear priorities. And if that’s too hard, we can always defer to Tagore.