Freedom with quality and integrity
LI201711-01Resonating with the three types of freedom
Have you ever experienced true freedom?
"There are three types of freedom. The first kind of freedom is “freedom from,” a freedom from the constraints of society. Second, is “freedom to,” a freedom to do what we want to do. Thirdly, there is “freedom to be,” a freedom, not just to do what we want, but a freedom to be who we were meant to be."
Growing up in a typical Singapore family, I was often told that I have to study hard, get into a "good" Junior College, then enter one of our top local Universities. Doing well in school and getting a good degree was of utmost importance and I was never given a choice to decide what I wanted to study/do. This was all under the basis of "for my own good" and perhaps this is also what it means by a wiser being should help the less wise.
Moving into adulthood, I chose a job based on what I studied and what my parents would "allow" me to do. As I earned my own pocket money, I thought that being financially independent would bring me more freedom, and it definitely felt so, in terms of deciding what and how I spend my money on. However, I felt like I was trapped in my job for the money. I need the job/money to pursue the life I want and I stayed with the job because society has decided that university graduates are supposed to do "certain kind of work". So to me, being able to do a job you love is a huge privilege and I hope I will be able to do so one day.
I think that there should be a limit on how much parents guide their children. Perhaps things may turn out differently (or maybe even for the better) if the children were given more freedom. As long as one is able to prove that he/she is emotionally mature to handle and take responsibility for his/her life, he/she should be given the freedom to do so. Family, friends, and colleagues have the freedom to voice their opinions and give their advice but the final decision should still lie with the person himself/herself.
We only live once. Only when we are brave enough to take the first step, then we will be on our way to achieve the 3 types of freedom.
Shepherd03
