I found this image whilst browsing Pinterest, inscribed with 'freedom is a state of mind'. This intrigued me and got me wondering as to how true this statement is. My immediate interpretation was from a legal angle and was that the statement could not be true. However, the German song 'Die Gedanken sind frei' (Thoughts are free), which I first came across at a GCSE German Masterclass, also came to mind, challenging my original perspective.
Freedom
[free-duh m]
noun
1. the state of being free or at liberty rather than under physical restraint
2. the power to determine action without restraint
3. exemption from sth. , e.g. freedom from fear
4. the absence of or release from obligations.
State of Mind
concept
1. the state of a person's cognitive process
2.the state of a person's consciousness; as in perception of the outside world, and their perception of their own intuition.
My Response
I understand the sentiment of this quotation, which urges people to let go of restraining thoughts and emotions. It refers to freedom from fears and insecurities, from caring not for other's judgemental opinions, as Lao Tzu's, an ancient Chinese Philosopher, proverb goes; “Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner.” These specific fears can be overcome by an individual's mental will power, releasing you obligations to conform - thus giving you freedom. This idea of renouncing negative thoughts to have a happier ideology is shown in the 4th verse of 'Die Gedanken sind frei'.
[free-duh m]
noun
1. the state of being free or at liberty rather than under physical restraint
2. the power to determine action without restraint
3. exemption from sth. , e.g. freedom from fear
4. the absence of or release from obligations.
State of Mind
concept
1. the state of a person's cognitive process
2.the state of a person's consciousness; as in perception of the outside world, and their perception of their own intuition.
My Response
I understand the sentiment of this quotation, which urges people to let go of restraining thoughts and emotions. It refers to freedom from fears and insecurities, from caring not for other's judgemental opinions, as Lao Tzu's, an ancient Chinese Philosopher, proverb goes; “Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner.” These specific fears can be overcome by an individual's mental will power, releasing you obligations to conform - thus giving you freedom. This idea of renouncing negative thoughts to have a happier ideology is shown in the 4th verse of 'Die Gedanken sind frei'.
Drum will ich auf immer den Sorgen entsagen und will mich auch nimmer mit Grillen mehr plagen. Man kann ja im Herzen stets lachen und scherzen und denken dabei: Die Gedanken sind frei! | So I will renounce my sorrows forever, and never again will torture myself with whimsies. In one's heart, one can always laugh and joke and think at the same time: Thoughts are free! |
This idea of renouncing sorrows and becoming happy with who you are is undoubtedly liberating. However, there is more to freedom than personal perception. This singular idea of being confined only by self-built walls is insensitive to those who are physically imprisoned for what they belief in. They have never been completely free, having suffered oppression, feared imprisonment, and been denied many 'human rights' we take for granted. Freedom of speech, freedom of movement, the right to a fair trial, the right to worship unrestrictedly, I could go on. However, the statement 'freedom is a state of mind' could be more relevant to the them than I had previously thought. Again, I think reference to the German song about freedom of thought, 'Die Gedanken sind frei' is appropriate here.
Und sperrt man mich ein im finsteren Kerker, das alles sind rein vergebliche Werke. Denn meine Gedanken zerreißen die Schranken und Mauern entzwei: Die Gedanken sind frei! | And if I am thrown into the darkest dungeon, all these are futile works, because my thoughts tear all gates and walls apart: Thoughts are free! |
This is the 3rd verse of the song, and suggests an important aspect of freedom. Whilst many people globally are imprisoned for rebelling, these revolts started from an idea. These men and women can be physically imprisoned, but in these instances, the idea cannot. This makes them forever at least slightly uncontrollable and partially free.
So, to a certain extend, I agree with the statement 'freedom is a state of mind'. Without self confidence and freedom from fears, you can never be completely free. On a deeper note, with independent and uncontrollably 'free' thoughts, you can never be completely oppressed. However, neither are enough. In this day and age, all people should have freedom, including legal rights, lack of physical restraint, freedom from fear, and self confidence. That is the state 'freedom' really should be.
'Freedom definition': http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/freedom
'State of mind' definition: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=state%20of%20mind
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/state+of+mind
Photo credits (found on Pinterest/Tapiture): http://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/57-freedom-is-a-state-of-mind-f3fe9737-sz500x707-animate.jpg
'Die Gedanken sind frei' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Die_Gedanken_sind_frei
'State of mind' definition: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=state%20of%20mind
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/state+of+mind
Photo credits (found on Pinterest/Tapiture): http://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/57-freedom-is-a-state-of-mind-f3fe9737-sz500x707-animate.jpg
'Die Gedanken sind frei' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Die_Gedanken_sind_frei