“The truly free individual is free only to the extent of his own self-mastery. While those who will not govern themselves are condemned to find masters to govern over them.” Socrates
Have you ever known someone who has mastered himself? This poised, confident individual has carved out a space in the world to become the ideal person according to a standard devised by his own making.
He does not need a boss or consultant, or a spiritual guide to rely on for instruction. He’s become a truly free individual because, through error or triumph, he knows the laws of nature, the ways of psychology, the systems of religion, culture, philosophy, and the consequences of ignoring them.
This person has become the definition of efficiency, strength, and purpose. When he wakes, he’s without a taskmaster; instead, he’s subject to an internal drive that guides his thoughts and actions.
The truly free individual is one without a need for consent or judgment. He’s mapped a journey, a plan to unbind himself from approval, expectation, and permission. This is no easy task. It takes a life of unwavering strength to wake up daily and imagine a future, one constructed of hope and will and resolve to push through fear, and follow his self-generated plan.
This is not rebellion or hedonism, nor is it anarchy, but heavenly. Discipline equals freedom. Freedom without it is chaos at best.
“God has entrusted me with myself. No man is free who is not master of himself.”1
To master oneself is the most difficult task; appetite, distraction, persuasion, societal norms, self-sabotage, and world views must be grappled with and wrestled into submission. This becomes a daily battle, but one worth fighting. As Saint Jerome said, “The man who does not quarrel is a bachelor.”
Because in a world of choice, the truly free individual is free only to the extent of his own self-mastery. While those who will not govern themselves are condemned to find masters to govern over them.
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