Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose

Freedom is an illusion.

We all think it is something great, the ultimate prize. Sure, we may be able to eliminate or greatly reduce the external constraints that control our lives. I could say that retirement will bring freedom. Being out of debt would bring some level of financial freedom. If you are a victim of human trafficking (God forbid), escaping from your captors would certainly bring freedom!

But freedom is an illusion because we are never free from our internal forces. We all have an inherent nature that we can’t escape. Like the story of the scorpion and the frog.

A scorpion needs to cross the river, but can’t swim. He asks a frog to carry him on his back. The frog initially refuses. “You will sting me!” the frog exclaims. “But if I sting you, that wouldn’t benefit me. We would both drown,” counters the scorpion. So the frog agrees, lets the scorpion on his back. Halfway across the river, the scorpion stings him. “Why did you do this? We will both drown now!” cries the frog.

“I’m a scorpion.  It’s what I do.”

We will never be free of our own drives and inclinations. Every choice we make is based on our nature. The only freedom we can hope for would be to accept ourselves for who we are. Then, take an active part to shape our destiny through learning, growing, and facing challenges head-on.

By taking a passive approach to life, waiting for things to happen – that it the ultimate form of bondage.