There are many things that we think we understand very well, but when we are asked to provide an actual definition, we struggle to come up with the right words. For example, what is an apple? We all can identify an apple, but what is the actual definition of an apple? What makes an apple different from an Asian pear? What makes it different from an orange? How would you describe an apple to someone who had never seen one before so that they could imagine the smell, the shape, the size, and the taste?
There are two different conditions under which we may find it almost impossible to understand a concept. The first is that it has never been a part of our life. The other, ironically, is something that has always been a part of your life, something that is so much a part of your life that you cannot define it or separate it from your everyday experiences. Does a fish know what water is?
Having always lived with liberty, how can we really understand what it is? We could look up a definition. The 1828 Webster’s Dictionary defines natural liberty as the “power of acting as one sees fit” and civil liberty as “liberty of men in a state of society, or natural liberty so far only abridged and restrained, as is necessary and expedient for the safety and interest of the society, state or nation.” But do these definitions capture the essence of liberty, the captivating draw that makes men and women willing to sacrifice their very lives so that others may enjoy the blessings of liberty?
We could also slow down and take a deep look at our lives and try to understand the effects of liberty in our day to day life. The list of the blessings that are ours due to living in an environment of liberty could go on and on! Our ability to understand the impact of liberty on our lives will be enhanced by taking a look at what life looks like under tyranny. There are excellent books that chronicle life without liberty. A well-told story can allow us to feel the emotions generated by tyranny and liberty.
Another excellent option is to actually hear the stories of individuals who have lived under a different system of government, people who understand liberty because they have not always “swam” in it. The person who understands liberty the very best may be one who has experienced tyranny and then experienced liberty.
We invite you to take 30 minutes this week to ponder on what liberty actually is and why it matters to you. One excellent resource is the podcast Ask An Immigrant by Lydia Nuttall. Lydia has candid conversations with immigrants who talk about their experiences living under various government systems, why they chose to come to America, and how they view the concept of liberty. You can find these podcasts at LovingLiberty.net. Happy listening!
3 comments
George
As the size and intrusion of the government increases are freedoms and liberties are diminished. It’s frustrating that the majority of our electorate are ill-informed about what freedom and liberty mean. “Who is John Galt?” aptly applies to the challenges those of us who want less government intrusion and confiscations of our labor. Could not agree more with Anne and Monte.
Anne
I don’t know what it is like to live under liberty. American hasn’t had liberty since the Federal Reserve got control of us. I am forced to take Medicare, which is a inadequate medical system run by the federal government (which they have not constitutional right to do). Is that liberty? I am forced to pay a level of government to be allowed to keep my home and drive my car. Is that liberty? I can’t vote for the candidates of my choice in a primary election as it would cross party lines. Is that liberty? If you think we have liberty you need to go back and read the Constitution.
Monte
Liberty = Freedom + Morality