On Being Free

by Frithjof Bergmann

With extraordinary elegance and philosophic power, Frithjof Bergmann presents a genuine rethinking of freedom. By changing the focus from outside to inside the person, Bergmann shows how freedom can be a reality in self-growth, parenting, education, and in shaping a society that stimulates rather than stunts the self.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1977

Reviews

[Torzonborz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have heard about this book on the "Half examined life" philosophy podcast, on an episode about Nietzsche. I am not a native English speaker, still the book was quite readable. I really enjoyed it while reading. The core of the book discusses the meaning of the word "freedom" and creates a convincing theory about what does it mean to be free. The main line of reasoning is that the more we can identify with with the acts we done, the more we will feel free.

It also discusses what "freedom" does NOT mean from the author's point of view, for example: having choices or facing few obstacles in our way does not mean we are free. Some of the statements have strong consequences for political philosophy, and political language, like why are democracies identified with freedom?

The last chapter is my favorite, it discusses what would it mean to be free in the realm of work.
Also, written in the high-inflation, energy-crisis era of the 1980's it has some worthwhile ideas about how connecting work and providing basic necessities leads to huge waste of energy and resources.

Truly recommended read!

[Myles Karpiuk]

What use is being free anyways