I just read a report by Freedom House on the state of freedom in the world. It attempts to give a ranking for freedom and in the process declare if freedom has risen or fallen in the year reviewed. Of interest in their findings is that Canada scored a 98 out if a possible 100. This might be flawed.
It occurred to me that Freedom seems relative to these folks and no standard definition is applied. Surely there is some relativity involved and a country that previously killed women for not wearing a scarf covering their face would be a big uptick. But I believe that Freedom can be defined and made far less subjective.
I offer my definition.
Freedom is the God Given Right to determine one's own life by exercise of the Free Will with minimal intrusion for coexistence with others by others. Regular day to day societal laws should be minimal as well as bureaucratic regulations and all periodically inspected for their adherence to Freedom. If they do not enhance freedom they should be rejected.
I am aware that more could be said or dais differently but that's the gist of it.
That Freedom must incorporate Responsibility is manifest. Wanting to be cared for is not conducive to Freedom. Asking a government at whatever level to care for you is to abdicate Responsibility and in doing so reducing ones' Freedom. Responsibility is simply the refusal to allow anyone or anything to interfere with one's Right to Self Governance and Determination. When saying “I am Responsible” it does not mean blame or acceptance of blame but rather that is says “no one other than myself is the causation of my life and outcomes”.
Surely in this day of Equity this will not fly well with some. But I see many of societies woes in low responsibility individuals wanting and even demanding to be cared for. In an earlier time, such a position would be a great embarrassment. My my, how times have changed.
I see this in my clients. Those who succeed take full Responsibility for their business. Those who don't are operating at the whim of others and that usually brings failure. To be a success one must be tough, have a spine and reject intrusions into decision making by adopting the view that no one has the right to direct their affairs except themselves. Don't expect governments to agree because they honestly believe that they control your life. Put it to the test and let me know where I've gone awry.
Best,
Donn Marier
DM-Your Own CFO