Does "freedom" mean unrestrained impulse, or influencing outcomes through wise choices, or a bit of each?

Question

Our founding fathers spoke of "liberty", Lincoln said the world had never arrived at a good definition of it. My generation assumed that the first stage of freedom--lack of restraint or coercion by government over personal choices and economic activity-- had to be backed up by the individual taking the responsibility for outcomes and consequences through self-discipline and wise choices. But some people in every generation put responsibility aside, defining "freedom" as living by the impulse of the moment, doing as they damn well please regardless of the consequences to themselves or anybody else. Nearly everybody has sex and raises a little Hell without making too big a fuss about it, but a few carry on these activities with little responsiblity and restraint, ignoring all generally-accepted standards of behavior. Living purely by impulse and self-indulgence, they leave it to others to clean up their messes. Agree? Disagree? Speak up!

Answer 1

Freedom is living without restraint imposed by other sources, but it's a personal thing. You can choose to be responsible for your own actions or not, but what makes freedom what it is is that you can do with it whatever you want, including living impetuously. You are not completely free if you aren't able to do whatever you want. The question is whether or not you actually do it, on moral grounds, whatever. But that's your own personal choice, and if someone makes that choice for you, you aren't free.

Answer 2

I might be wrong but Lincoln said to make a Friend of an enemy is better than making an enemy of a friend.

Answer 3

my friend..

I believe you need a hard liquor