Ten Things Freedom Requires from Each Individual

In my last article, “What is Freedom and Ten Reasons We Misunderstand What It Is?” we discussed how we often misconstrue freedom and err on the side of individualism rather than the greater good. In this article, we will address some thoughts on individual responsibilities.

From a sociological and psychological standpoint, a society cannot function if everyone is self-contained. This approach only leads to chaos and isolation. We often elevate freedom as a personal achievement rather than a tool for societal improvement. It’s crucial to acknowledge that pursuing wealth, ego, fame, and titles is often fleeting or, at best, a responsibility that must be upheld. There’s nothing inherently wrong with these aspirations, provided they are used to foster communal growth and engagement.

Freedom and individual responsibilities are inextricably linked, with each concept relying on the other for its existence. Here are ten key aspects that I firmly believe underscore the symbiotic relationship between freedom and individual responsibilities:

1. Respect for the Law: Observing the law is fundamental to maintaining order and protecting freedoms. This includes everything from following traffic rules to respecting property rights. Yet today, we see a massive disrespect for the law from both perspectives. As citizens, we engage in and tolerate massive breaches of many laws; when was the last time you saw someone doing the speed limit, for example? We have become insensitive to the number of murders, carjackings, theft, and cybercrime, so we just see it as part of life without having to invest in resolution or even mitigation. On the other side, we see some of our police officers moving as vigilantes while working under the umbrella of police authority. Don’t get me wrong, many great officers are on duty in this country, but the small number of corrupt or misguided seem to catch all the press. This requires an attitude adjustment on both sides.
2. Tolerance: Freedom thrives in environments where diverse opinions, beliefs, and lifestyles are tolerated, accepted, and respected. Individuals must be willing to accept and coexist with differences without discrimination. We have lost our ability to manage tolerance to the point that there is no tolerance in many subcultures in the US. This calls us to reevaluate our attitudes and behaviors and strive for a more inclusive and respectful society. Yes, some basic rules need enforcement in any society or organization, but it should be done correctly by discussion and compromise to find common ground. Being Protopian by nature, I have found that we must make these improvements in small steps, not massive reconstruction or reduction programs. Everyone needs to play a part in fostering tolerance and acceptance.
3. Civic Engagement: Participating in the democratic process, such as voting and engaging in public discourse, is crucial. This ensures that the government reflects the people’s will and addresses their needs. However, based on statistics from The American Presidency Project, only 54.8% of the VAP voter age population voted in 2016. This is a sad figure considering the country’s current division. It also indicates that more than 40% are even registered to vote.
4. Responsibility: With freedom comes the responsibility to act in ways that do not harm others. This includes personal accountability for one’s actions and decisions. With the rise of social media, short attention spans, feelings of isolation, everything becoming commoditized, and a massive emphasis on self-protection, we have lost any sense of collective responsibility. Much of this has been driven by the decline in spiritual participation, emphasis on partying, and workplaces that prioritize profit over the employees’ well-being. Now, it is time to refocus.
5. Education: Keeping oneself informed and educated helps individuals make better decisions and understand the rights and duties associated with freedom. This is an area where we need the most work done. The current education system is so theory-driven that we have lost sight of teaching practical knowledge and using the theories in real life. We have emphasized degree-based schooling and certification-based skills so much that we have not put life into the subjects. It’s all about getting that piece of paper rather than learning why I want it and how I will use it.
6. Defense of Rights: Each individual has a role in safeguarding not only their rights but also the rights of others, especially those who may not be able to defend themselves. We have talked about this for at least 60 years, but it never seems to improve. In our litigious society, most people are afraid to get involved, or due to the number of guns used here, many are so scared of that reality touching them if they get involved. We must find a way to stand up for each other and overcome these fears.
7. Community Participation: Contributing to the community’s well-being through volunteer work or other forms of participation helps strengthen the social bonds essential for a free society. While we assume volunteering has remained static over the years, the real answer is that formal volunteering has been declining, and informal volunteering has been rising. According to the US Census Bureau, formal volunteering is roughly 27.6% in the Chicago Market, and informal is 43.6%, but there is much more we can do.
8. Ethical Conduct: Acting ethically and with integrity promotes trust and mutual respect among society’s members, which are crucial for maintaining freedom. This continues to be a massive problem in business because we tend to view ethics as a relativistic issue, and there are no standards. If you want to see the latest data, check out ECI Connects. I think you will be shocked. For example, workplace misconduct is at an all-time high. Retaliation against employees who report misconduct continues to occur at unacceptable rates.
9. Self-Reliance: While community support is essential, relying on oneself and taking personal responsibility for one’s welfare can reduce dependence on government, which can be critical in maintaining individual freedom. We continue to want the government to solve all of our problems, but at the same time, we want them to reduce taxes. There still is a significant gap between the percentage of dollars paid in taxes by the average person and the wealthy or businesses. Many have also found that victimhood can be profitable, so it adds to the issues. This cannot be sustained.
10. Respect for Public and Private Institutions: Recognizing the role of various institutions, whether governmental, educational, or cultural, and supporting their healthy functioning ensures that these bodies can continue to support the framework of a free society.

These elements highlight how interconnected freedom is with individuals’ actions and attitudes. Each person’s commitment to these principles helps build and maintain a society where freedom can flourish.

Our current population is estimated to be 341,814,420 on July 1, 2024. That means if everyone did just a little to improve their attitudes, caring, and tolerance, we could affect some major changes.