Thought is the one element, the one
function that separates human beings from all other creatures (as far
as we know so far). The one thought that truly separates human beings
from all other creatures is the idea of Liberty.
It is somewhat humorous because I
originally ended the above sentence as 'personal Liberty' - as if
there was some other kind. But all Liberty is in fact, when examined
carefully, 'personal' Liberty. There is no other kind. There is no
'collective Liberty' because as soon as the individuals that comprise
the 'collective' are freed from that collective they each and every
one acts on behalf of his or her own 'personal' Liberty. Even if it
is to choose to join another collective.
One either is able to make choices that
determine the actions that person will take, which is one definition
of Liberty, or one is a slave to circumstance, or to another person
or group of persons. There is simply no other option or possibility.
Thus, Liberty is always 'personal'
Liberty. I am free to choose or I am not. You are free to choose, or
you are not. It is always person to you or to me.
This is the first and foremost
either/or that is derived from thye sheer fact of existence and the
ability to reason. Lacking an ability to reason, and the 'choice' to
exercise that reason, there is no Liberty, nor can there be.
So to return to the notion that began
this blog originally, so long ago already, it all begins with a
thought. The thought of Liberty is one the derives from and embraces
a whole chain and complex of concepts and 'thoughts' without which
Humanity as we know it would not exist.
It all begins with a thought, if you
choose to exercise it.
