A Philosophical Argument for Why Liberty is a Human Right
"Asurya namathe loka pretya abhi ganchanthe", a phrase that echoes the idea of individuals finding freedom from greed and ignorance within the cosmos. Similarly, the pursuit of liberty—the freedom to pursue our desires and discover our truth—is essential for the advancement and prosperity of the human race. Liberty enables individuals to innovate, discover, and contribute to the collective benefit of society. However, liberty should be balanced with the well-being of others. Ultimately, individuals must take the responsibility for their own safety, rather than relying solely on societal institutions for protection.
Liberty as a Cornerstone of Human Achievement
Liberty is the freedom to follow one's own mind and explore diverse paths. It is essential for making the best discoveries and ensuring that everyone benefits from these advancements. Benjamin Franklin's experiments with electricity exemplify how individual pursuits can lead to groundbreaking discoveries, rather than these innovations coming from large institutions. Society's institutions often prioritize safety and control, often at the expense of individual liberty. However, a truly safe society requires individual responsibility, as individuals hold the power to protect themselves better than any institution can.
Society's Failures in Protecting Liberty
The concept of a society that prioritizes safety over liberty often begins with a misguided notion that institutions can ensure safety for all. The history of the atomic bomb illustrates that societal structures create tools and innovations that can harm and control, rather than protect individuals. The idea that society can provide safety for everyone is a misinterpretation of life, which is inherently characterized by risk and uncertainty. Emphasizing safety over liberty ultimately leads to a life of limitations and loss of individual freedom.
The Inherent Tensions Between Safety and Liberty
People often perceive safety as a primary necessity, while liberty appears as a luxury. However, the reality is that life is inherently not safe. Individuals must take risks to advance, and these risks inherently impact their safety. Safety, thus, becomes a deviation from the natural state of life, driven by societal fears and a performance-based mentality. In such a context, every institution in society attempts to control this risk, often at the cost of individual liberties. This creates a paradox where the desire for safety undermines the very essence of liberty, which is necessary for human growth and fulfillment.
Challenges and Misconceptions About Liberty
There are those who believe that liberty should apply only to certain individuals or groups, using this perspective to maintain control and deny others their rights. This misappropriation of liberty becomes particularly pernicious when it is used to create a society that restricts the freedom of other individuals. People who advocate for this view often perpetuate misinformation in educational systems and institutional settings. By doing so, they push the narrative that people want safety over freedom, and use their influence to maintain and expand their control.
The idea that societal institutions hold a monopoly on important discoveries and innovations is a dangerous misconception. Individual discoveries are inherently beneficial to all, as they transcend societal boundaries and lead to widespread benefits. Conversely, discoveries controlled by institutions often serve the interests of the ruling class, potentially at the expense of the liberation of others. This highlights the importance of maintaining individual freedom and promoting a society where the pursuit of truth and knowledge is valued above the establishment of a rigid, controlled environment.
In conclusion, the pursuit of liberty is essential for both individual and societal growth. Emphasizing the importance of safety over liberty only leads to a society that is ultimately inhospitable and limiting. By fostering an environment that values individual responsibility and freedom, we can build a society that truly thrives.