The blog will pick a word of the week, to share & explore the selected word. Here’s an expression for the word – Libertas (Latin).
The beautiful Roman goddess Libertas symbolised freedom. Libertas is a Latin word for freedom or liberty, but in philosophy it represents a rich tradition about what it means to be truly free. Different thinkers have understood libertas in different ways. At its heart, libertas asks – how can a society protect individual liberty? What does it mean to be really free? Is freedom simply the absence of control or does it require self-mastery? “No man is free who is not a master of himself” – Epictetus.
Thinkers like Epictetus argued that true freedom comes from mastering our own mind. The strongest chains are the ones we place upon our own minds. External events cannot make us unfree if we control our judgments, expectations & actions. We are free when our happiness depends on our character rather than our circumstances. “I want freedom for the full expression of my personality. There is no road to freedom, freedom is the road” – Gandhi.
Libertas is earned every day through determined, disciplined creativity & choices. It is the courage & compassion to live by our beliefs or principles. Freedom is the presence of peace & purpose. The strongest freedom is built from a balance between emotion & wisdom because the measure of freedom is not what we possess, but what we refuse to surrender. “Lead with integrity & liberty will follow.”
Philosophers summarise libertas with four key principles – cultivation of self-discipline because inner freedom supports outer freedom. Thinking imaginatively & independently. Taking full responsibility for our choices & challenges. Recognising & respecting the freedom of others. “Freedom is not merely the absence of chains. It is the ability to govern oneself with reason, courage or accountability while embracing & honouring the equal liberty of others” – John Locke. Freedom begins where fear ends. Freedom is a feeling. Freedom begins within.
