Conflicting Freedom

It was interesting lesson I recall lessons on degree of freedom in a mechanical system. We keep adding constraints to elements of the system, so they may work as mechanism, a basic for a machine to perform a specified task. If more constraints are added to the system it becomes a structure, which remains static. Now it is interesting to note that every machine has structure supporting the working mechanism. It is most interesting to note that to get meaningful output (work) we need to exploit constraints. Further, I was evaluating parallel with humans, or organizations built with humans, family being the most basic unit.

The first constraint on humans is in the form of gravitational force which keeps us attached with the mother earth. In the absence of it, a human being should be like a kite with broken link or string. It would be drifting around and cannot imagine the life there after. As a parent, every parent enforcing some safeguards in child’s play areas, which are constraints or curtailing freedom. These constraints are in the interest of the child’s safety. When we observe small children playing a game often they land up in arguments, on what are the rules of the game. Often the rules of the game are modified to suit their playing abilities and constraints. The rule like LBW, being most notorious for ambiguity. So, every game has a rule, boundaries & constraints. Like an elephant, camel and horse move differently on chess boards. A game of football is interesting as it is played within set boundaries & appropriate penalties for fowls to make it competitive. When the rules are violated the game is more frequently interrupted and may lead to chaotic situation, and loses its. It is the field games which inspires us to be with sportsman spirit in real & business life.

Freedom without constraints may be extremely risky in real & business life. Every family member has a set of constraints, including the head of the family. This philosophy is extended to organizations also.? It is the relationship, ranks & hierarchy which are part of working rules (with constraints) which makes a group of people function and perform a set of tasks. It is just similar to a machine. It is most interesting that a player has full freedom to move within boundaries (at times dynamic boundaries like in football). It is this freedom which one should enjoy and exploit for best results. If this choice or freedom is reduced from humans, then we would be just like a robot who could perform repeatedly a set of functions, as dictated by program. It is this freedom we enjoy which leads to groups, likeminded people or in more general to enter into collaboration or network.? ?

On the eve of Independence day, we may note that we have freedom to act but while anchored to ground & bound by relationship constraints. While we act, we must respect the freedom of every individual around us. Definitely, we should follow a set of rules & respect the boundaries set.

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