In 1946, in the book Man's Search for Meaning, neurologist and psychologist Victor Frankl wrote: "Freedom, however, is not the last word. Freedom is only part of the story and half of the truth. Freedom is but the negative aspect of the whole phenomenon whose positive aspect is responsibleness. In fact, freedom is in danger of degenerating into mere arbitrariness unless it is lived in terms of responsibleness. That is why I recommend that the Statue of Liberty on the East Coast be supplemented by a Statue of Responsibility on the West Coast." (thanks, Wikipedia) I agree wholeheartedly, and furthermore would say that this idea is both extremely important and remarkably empowering. Over the next couple of days, I intend to explore the idea of personal responsibility and a few of its ramifications. I realize I'll likely be going over ground that's already well traveled, at least at first, so I'll do my best not to let the ruts in the road be too terrible a constraint.
I'd like to start today by issuing a sort of caveat. In the next few days, I'm going to have a lot to say about the dizzying state of freedom that many of us enjoy and/or suffer from. I'm also going to have a lot to say about taking responsibility for one's actions and such. That being said, I realize that there is no shortage of people in the world who do not and cannot enjoy the benefits of freedom for one reason or another. It is in no way my intention to minimize or belittle them or their struggles. I just wanted to get that on the table first and before.
See you tomorrow!
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