2007-08-12 05:46:28 · 4 answers · asked by chantelle 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Individual freedom is necessary for the development of strong individualities, and the presence of strong individualities in society is necessary for the society to foster individual freedom.
Individual freedom is an individual's capacity for active individual expression, and it is necessary for the development of a strong individuality. Individuality is a function of the inherent capacity of an individual to develop himself or herself and the individual's benefit of developmentally relevant social resources to develop himself or herself. As well, individuality is the consequence of an individual's exercise of his or her capacity for self-development. Individual developmental power consists of psychological intrapersonal capacities including the ability of an individual to think independently and act creatively, psychologically explore him/herself for the purpose of self-education, and obtain knowledge of self and others that can enhance the individual's capacity for rational judgement with which s/he can determine him or herself by cultivating his or her own ethical character and choosing his or her values and beliefs. The social resources that an individual can use to develop him/herself include opportunities for socialization, education, and for the acquisition of experience interacting with diverse others in the individual's social environment. For example, individuals who share their ideas with others can learn from each other's ideas, and consider others' ideas while they develop their own ideas, and apply those ideas in their lives to inform and facilitate their personal decision-making and determine their own personal identity.
Thus, the process of individualization of self is a process of the actualization of one's individuality by social means that foster free individual expression.
2007-08-12 10:28:30 · answer #1 · answered by MindTraveler 4 · 1⤊ 4⤋
Without freedom you cannot be an individual. All those who seek to control you, want you to be meek and usable. Freedom does not necessarily create individuality though. There are a great many people who want conformity and the safety, from change, it appears to offer.
2007-08-12 17:02:19 · answer #2 · answered by phil8656 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on perceptions and the individual doing the perceiving. Are they connected? Some are so disconnected that they fail to comprehend.
2007-08-12 12:52:20 · answer #3 · answered by midnite rainbow 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Individuality of a human being is the self of us... the self controlled by our ego within! It is individuality that defines the individual self of one! There are almost infinite characters in the cosmic system and each one of us has individuality... a uniqueness that differentiates us from other beings... from other individuals! No two individuals are exactly alike!
The true individuality of a person is defined by the real self of us... our soul atman within! It is our soul atman... the individual self that has manifested the body and not vice versa. For the body the individuality is defined by our ego... while the individuality of the cosmic being (our soul atman within) is beyond the comprehension of human beings.
Individual freedom is an attribute of mankind and many living beings! Individual freedom is best exercised by human beings! The status of a human being... the highest in the cosmic system... only as human being one gains enlightenment (kaivalya jnana) and finally salvation (moksha)! It is individual freedom that primarily governs the life of human beings.
The power of discrimination that distinguishes us from animals helps us maintain our individual freedom. Devoid of individual freedom... human beings reduce to the level of an animal! It is individual freedom that prompts one to travel the spiritual path and finally gain enlightenment and salvation without hindrance.
Human beings who consider themselves slaves of their destiny are no better than animals. Their life is like a rudderless boat going round and round in the ocean. It is freedom of thought... the freedom in everything that makes human beings reach highest pedestal of life... the 8.4 million manifestation before one enters the kingdom of God (aka Baikuntha in Hinduism).
Human beings can always manifest destiny... we need control our slavish animal indulgence! The freedom to act and think... is the biggest gift to mankind by God Almighty. Wanton desires and greed for materialistic riches always dissuade human beings from putting individual freedom to creative use. Individual freedom does not mean accumulating riches beyond need. More on freedom of thought and destiny - http://www.godrealized.org/are_you_a_slave_of_your_destiny.html
2007-08-16 03:45:45 · answer #4 · answered by godrealized 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋