Are People Better Off Without Freedom?

The question of whether people are better off without freedom can be a complex and nuanced one, especially given the pivotal role that freedom of choice plays in our lives. Freedom is not just a political or legal concept, but a fundamental aspect of human existence that enriches our experiences and shapes our identities.

Understanding the Proletariat

To delve deeper into this topic, it's important to distinguish between different forms of human existence. The proletariat, or the working class, represents a significant section of society. This class, defined as those who possess no capital or means of production and must rely on the sale of their labor, plays a crucial role in the economy. Historically, the proletarian class has been pivotal in shaping societal structures and economic dynamics.

The Essential Role of Freedom of Choice

It is a fundamental truth that people inherently crave the ability to make free choices. In fact, the act of voting in elections epitomizes our need for this freedom. Ballots marked in secrecy symbolize the solemn right to make uninfluenced decisions, affirming that every individual's voice matters. Without the capacity to make such choices, we would lose our humanity and effectively become automatons or animals governed by instinct rather than conscious will.

The Tyranny of Human Ego

Human history is marked by the dominance of the self-centered individual, where actions and decisions are often driven by selfish inclinations and expediency. The lack of free choice can lead to a state where people act purely instinctively, without reflection or calculation, following the dictates of their ego without question. Our societies and institutions are the product of this often-destructive self-interest.

To transcend this state, an understanding and recognition of our inherent nature is paramount. We must first acknowledge the role that our ego plays in our daily lives. This acknowledgment should spark a strong desire for change, leading to the development of new qualities and behaviors that elevate our existence beyond mere self-serving motives.

True freedom—both of choice and of action—begins with this profound recognition. Only when we genuinely feel the need to act above and against our inherent nature, choosing to exist for others rather than for ourselves, can we truly begin to experience what it means to be human. This journey towards self-improvement and transformation is the first step towards a more conscious and liberated form of human existence.

Keywords: freedom of choice, human nature, self-improvement