"With freedom comes responsibility"?

Question

That is a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt. What are your thoughts on it?

Would you prefer more freedom and more responsibility, or less freedom and less responsibility? What about in your personal life, things like politics and work aside? What about in your religion?

Answer 1

The countries forefathers wanted us to have freedom and for the government to play no part in our life's.

And yes the responsibilities are higher, my father used to tell me about people starving to death in America that chose not to work. There would be no more hangouts.

Answer 2

With Freedom Comes Responsibility Quote

Answer 3

I thought it was Victor Frankl who said it. I suspect most people think they want the freedom, but they really don't want the responsibility. Responsibility involves thinking about the consequences of one's actions, a truly distasteful idea. So the truth is, with freedom comes consequences. "Responsibility" has just become another word for blame.

That's what we have now, consequences: global warming, peak oil, terrorism, a growing divide between rich and poor, etc. If people, businesses, government leaders were truly interested in responsibility, the consequences would be a lot less dire. When crisis time comes, people will gladly surrender freedom, just to avoid that other terrifying obligation.

I prefer the headaches myself. If something needs doing, I remind myself to take that extra step, not using the excuse of others' inaction. It doesn't always work but if I don't try, how will other people get the idea?

Answer 4

That is true, that through freedom comes responsibility. The most evident explanation of such a wise quote comes from the Romans. Romans like the Americans was builted on virtue and republic and whatever is through virtue comes freedom. But as centurys went on and the Romans conquered europe, not only did there currency and borders change but virtue transformed into vice. Because of lack of responsibility did the Romans falter. This is the lesson that should be taught to all citizens of America.

Answer 5

well, the only example I have is my work (enlisted military). I fight for freedoms (speech, religion and such) and yet I don't have them. There are rules against military speaking out against the president, par-taking in assemblies, etc. You can be religious, but work comes first. If you have to do something work wise (say carry and M-16 and use it) but your religion is against it, you have to do it anyway.


Religion wise on the subject. I am free from believing in god and higher powers. SO now I take on the responsibility of my actions in life. If my lfe sucks then I must agree that it is my fault and not because "god has a reason for everything"

Answer 6

People who cannot govern themselves must be governed by the rest of society - and people who are capable of governing themselves cannot be dominated by tyrannical governments for long. If a society does not exercise restraint, they will loose their freedom: that is the law of government. Governments are a necessary evil, and they lie in wait for any opportunity to correct social ills by limitting freedom. The only way to preserve freedom, whether individual or social, is through responsibility - the two concepts are inseperable.

Answer 7

Neither, I'd like to have more freedom and less responsibilities. Wouldn't we all? What if we all were payed to do what ever we wanted to do with our time, or better yet...what if nothing costed anything and there were no rich or oor people? There's a new discussion.

Answer 8

Freedom of Speech and America

Answer 9

If you want freedom, you have to take responsibility for what you do with it. Unfortunately a lot of people want the benefits of freedom, but aren't prepared to accept responsibility.

Answer 10

Eleanor Roosevelt was a very wise woman--personally I like what freedom I have and the responsibility, so no more or less for me right now