Single Idea 20693

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / A. Freedoms / 5. Freedom of lifestyle]

Full Idea

The freedom we value so highly may work against us. We can choose our spouses, friends and neighbours, but they can choose to leave us. With the individual wielding unprecedented power to decide her own path, we find it ever harder to make commitments.

Gist of Idea

Freedom may work against us, as individuals can choose to leave, and make fewer commitments

Source

Yuval Noah Harari (Sapiens: brief history of humankind [2014], 19 'Counting')

Book Reference

Harari,Yuval Noah: 'Sapiens: a brief history of Humankind' [Vintage 2014], p.418


A Reaction

This is the worry of the communitarian. I take freedom to be a great social virtue - but an overrated one.