Kahlil Gibran on Freedom

Kahlil Gibran (1883–1931).

Most people say they want to be free. Kahlil Gibran (pictured), however, argued that we should strive for acceptance and inner peace first. Pursuits of freedom are futile, for they actually shackle us to unfreedom. In The Prophet he writes:

'I have seen you prostrate yourself and worship your own freedom … Ay … I have seen the freest amongst you wear their freedom as a yoke and a handcuff … [Y]ou can only be free when even the desire of seeking freedom becomes a harness to you, and when you cease to speak of freedom as a goal and a fulfilment … In truth that which you call freedom is the strongest of these chains … And if it is a despot you would dethrone, see first that his throne erected in you in destroyed.'

So, perhaps, be more sceptical of your overt wishes to be free; in your confidence you may be a subject of your already-placed desires.

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