Responsibly Yours

I’ve been thinking a lot about freedom, and the responsibility that comes with freedom. Many have argued that these concepts cannot be separated. Eleanor Roosevelt, stated that “Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility.” Some of us, however, use our freedom as a means to act without responsibility, and without limits. We say what we want, we do what we want, we buy what we want. As Americans we pride ourselves on our country’s tenants of freedom and liberty. Yet do we really take pride in bearing the weight our freedom carries? Roosevelt warns that, “For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry is own weight, this is a frightening prospect.” We have the ability to do things that other people can only dream of. But I wonder how many of us treasure this freedom every time we choose to use it. Should you really buy that Suburban just because you can?

It’s easy to act without thinking of your action’s consequences. I would argue that humans by nature do this frequently out of mere habit. Driving instead of walking, talking instead of listening, spending instead of saving. It just takes a little more effort to consider, plan, and act responsibly. I know this is a hard concept for the apathetic, but what is freedom worth if we didn’t have to work a little harder to earn it?

What does this mean for our everyday lives? It means, think before exercise your freedom. Think before you act. Think before you speak. Think before you shop. Think before you eat. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. This is not to suggest that we should censor or limit freedom for those who abuse it. However as a society, let us consider the impact our actions and choices have on ourselves and others.

Responsibly Yours,

Angela