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Single Idea 9278

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

Full Idea

We do not value freedom more than people did in earlier times, but we have identified the good life with the chosen life.

Gist of Idea

Nowadays we identify the free life with the good life

Source

John Gray (Straw Dogs [2002], 3.13)

Book Ref

Gray,John: 'Straw Dogs' [Granta 2002], p.109


A Reaction

Interesting. This is Enlightenment liberalism gradually filtering down into common consciousness, especially via the hegemony of American culture. I sympathise the Gray; don't get me wrong, but I think freedom is overrated.


The 7 ideas from 'Straw Dogs'

Human knowledge may not produce well-being; the examined life may not be worth living [Gray]
Knowledge does not need minds or nervous systems; it is found in all living things [Gray]
The will hardly ever does anything; most of our life just happens to us [Gray]
Without Christianity we lose the idea that human history has a meaning [Gray]
Nowadays we identify the free life with the good life [Gray]
What was our original sin, and how could Christ's suffering redeem it? [Gray]
Over forty percent of the Earth's living tissue is human [Gray]