Freedom
Main Entry: free·dom
Function: noun
1: the quality or state of being free: as a: the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action b: liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another :INDEPENDENCE c: the quality or state of being exempt or released usually from something onerous [freedom from care] d: EASE, FACILITY [spoke the language with freedom] e: the quality of being frank, open, or outspoken [answered with freedom] f: improper familiarity g: boldness of conception or execution h: unrestricted use [gave him the freedom of their home]
2 a: a political right b: FRANCHISE, PRIVILEGE
synonyms FREEDOM, LIBERTY, LICENSE mean the power or condition of acting without compulsion. FREEDOM has a broad range of application from total absence of restraint to merely a sense of not being unduly hampered or frustrated [freedom of the press]. LIBERTY suggests release from former restraint or compulsion [the released prisoner had difficulty adjusting to his new liberty]. LICENSE implies freedom specially granted or conceded and may connote an abuse of freedom [freedom without responsibility may degenerate into license].
2 comments:
"...the only privacy that's left is the inside of your head and maybe that's enough..."
-Jon Voight, Enemy of the State.
Great line, Footprint. But Big Brother may think that's still too much.
Freedom has its consequences. A child may be given the freedom to eat as much candy as he/she wants, but having that freedom won't stop the ensuing tummy ache. People need to be cognizant of the impact their exercise of freedoms can have on themselves and others. You are exactly right, Rae Ann. Freedom and responsibility need to go hand in hand.
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