Kant, one of the most influential thinkers in history, revolutionized the concepts of morality and freedom back in the 18th century.
Immanuel Kant, German philosopher “Freedom is the ability to obey the law you have given yourself”
In an era where the concept of “freedom” is constantly invoked, it’s worth revisiting the theories of the philosopher who shaped the modern understanding of the term: Immanuel Kant. The German thinker, one of the most influential minds in history, revolutionized knowledge and ethics, laying the foundation for transcendental idealism.
One of his most famous quotes was: “Freedom is the ability to obey the law you have given yourself.” For Kant, freedom isn’t about doing whatever you please without limits - it’s about acting in accordance with the laws or moral principles you impose on yourself.
Freedom inseparable from responsbility
True freedom isn’t the absence of rules; it’s autonomy. What does that mean? In Kant’s view, to be free we must act out of duty and according to principles we regard as universal. The opposite is heteronomy, where actions are driven by desires or impulses.
This idea is closely tied to Kant’s famous categorical imperative: “Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.” Take keeping a promise as an example. There are times when it’s uncomfortable or even inconvenient to follow through, but if you’ve given your word, duty compels you to honor it. Another example: obeying traffic laws - not out of fear of a ticket, but because those rules protect the lives of pedestrians and drivers.
Today, freedom is often equated with doing whatever you want, without limits or reflection. Kant reminds us that freedom is inseparable from responsibility. A person isn’t free because nothing holds them back - they’re free because they choose to obey principles they recognize as just and universal. For Kant, it’s responsible to critique ideas and foster rational dialogue, but not to insult or spread hate under the excuse of “it’s my opinion.”
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