The real anguish that people face in the post-modern world is not so much about the lack of freedom anymore but the inability to find their sense of identity. Liberalism exists in a way that the government cannot impose any sort of meaningful ends on the individuals. If you think milking cows for life or smoking pot is fulfilling, it is so. The society leaves people to find themselves. Consequently, people are so free that they are lost. A majority end up searching for a more narrow and restricted lifestyle so they can feel secure. They feel the need to belong to something more, something strong. For example, a man married to his work. He is driven by a sense of anxiety and failure. Subconsciously, he defines himself by the things he does. While it compels him to produce great works, he also goes completely crazy when things fail.
What makes up your identity? Will you trade freedom for security?
No comments:
Post a Comment