A person dependent on somebody else for everything from potatoes to opinions may declare that he is a free man, and his government may issue a certificate granting him his freedom, but he will not be free. He is that variety of specialist known as a consumer, which means that he is the abject dependent of producers. How can he be free if he can do nothing for himself? What is the First Amendment to him whose mouth is stuck to the tit of the “affluent society”? Men are free precisely to the extent that they are equal to their own needs. The most able are the most free.
–Wendell Berry, “Discipline and Hope” in A Continuous Harmony (1972), pp. 124
2 comments:
What a wonderful truth! How do we begin to educate those, so aptly described in this quote, to see the truth for themselves? And, truth be known, mighten we all be blind in some areas for lack of right teaching and training? I know I certainly am. I must be constantly reflecting; applying what I have learned to the issues of the day.
I am a new reader to your blog, enjoying your opinions.
Welcome to the blog Deb. Glad you are enjoying my opinions. I find that reflecting on others opinions is a good way to exercise your brain and solidify your own opinions whether they agree or disagree. It is all about constantly thinking and standing on what you believe in. God bless and thanks for reading and commenting. Kat
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