Individual freedom refers to the fundamental human right to act, speak, think, and make personal life choices without arbitrary coercion. It encompasses the liberty to pursue one’s own path in life. The struggle for individual freedom has been a driving force behind many social and political movements. The concept of individual freedom is closely tied to the idea of personal responsibility, as individuals must exercise their freedom in a way that does not infringe on the rights of others. The extent of individual freedom can be balanced against the need to maintain social order and protect the rights of others. At this point, the civil authorities may impose certain restrictions or regulations to ensure that the exercise of individual freedom does not overstep on the rights of others. At the same time, individuals are expected to exercise their freedom in a responsible manner, recognizing that their actions can have consequences for themselves and for the broader community. The interplay between individual freedom and personal responsibility is a fundamental aspect of the protection of individual rights.
Nowadays, society is over conscious about individual or personal freedom, even forgetting the basic minimum of relationship and concern for the other. The individual is the king. He/she decides, controls, does whatever he/she wishes. Individuality, when moved towards egoism, forgets the other. Restricting man with laws, administrative procedures, caste, community views, and with the dominance of gender differences is uncharitable. Laws, when interpreted too rigidly and individualistically, become more of a restriction than a protection.
Christians in the world are called to witness universality, upholding individual freedom and responsibility. A life dissociated with others is not fully a human life. For a while it may give some pleasure and freedom, but gradually life will become monotonous and boring, because human life by design is social and other oriented.
Unity is a sign of God’s presence. Here, those who are served and those who serve are helping each other. Those who rule and those who are ruled are all equals. And so, a return to a mindset where a social perspective is more important than the individual self is imperative. Under such a vision, the difference between the haves and the have-nots diminishes. When I move closer to society, my personality will grow and my ego or self-importance will dissolve. Listening to others, giving opportunities to others, and working with an open mind will increase. Laws will become will become a means of protection than restriction.
The perfection of the individual depends on his interaction with society and close affinity with social norms. The perfection of the human person is made possible when he works and lives as part of a society. Thus, socially committed individuals will not only desist from acting in a way that is harmful to others, but they will also not do anything for their own gain by harming others. Here, caste, religion, occupation, male, female, rich, poor, etc. shall not become a normative for any decision or action. The basis of this social commitment is the thought that man is a creation of God and the conviction that God is the Father. Therefore, everything that is contrary to life must be avoided and a style that nurtures life must be developed.
A selfless person will sacrifice himself for the sake of truth. Systems should be created where time prevails over space, unity over conflict and sectarianism, reality over ideas. There, man should be an individual who is integrated with divinity in general. He should be a man who works beyond time, place, culture, colour, caste, religion, wealth, poverty, gender, and ethnicity. Thus, only when individual freedom choses unity and human integrity in relation with God, will unity and integrity flourish. So, a unified vision based on humanity, upholding the basic individual freedom is the path to a balanced life.
- By Joseph O.C.
