The Power of Individual Freedom - How Individual Freedom Ignites Creativity and Growth

by Ross Paraskevas

Every great society is built on and prospers from one thing: freedom. This includes the freedom of the individual. When individuals are free—free to be creative, adventurous, take risks, fail, seek the truth, and be the best versions of themselves—great societies flourish, great inventions are made, and humanity prospers. Freedom encompasses freedom of speech, the press, religion, and thought. When all these elements are in place, you are free to be creative and true to yourself.

One of the world leaders I admire most is John F. Kennedy. He believed in innovation and the freedom of the individual. He recognized that every human has the capacity to be creative, to innovate, and to make decisions that benefit not only themselves but society at large. One of his most famous quotes encapsulates this ethos: 'Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.' This returns focus to the individual. When individuals strive to reach their best, to grow and develop, problems are solved and humanity thrives.

Our innate goodness is the foundation for breaking free. When you break free, you are free to create, invent, and build. Remember the child within you, the naturally good-natured kid who wants to emerge but is blocked by feelings of envy, jealousy, hatred, anger, and victimhood. These negative emotions block the naturally good person inside you, stifling your creativity. Once you reconnect with this inner goodness, you gain true freedom. What is imprisoning you? Often, it is being chained by anger, negativity, and jealousy, which hinder progress in your life.

Throughout history, leaders like JFK have inspired generations to create, innovate, take risks, and embrace freedom. During the Chinese Cultural Revolution, Mao Zedong advocated for the suppression of artists, teachers, thinkers, and intellectuals. This was not a blueprint for growth but for regression. He turned many into peasants who, burdened with endless labor, lacked the time for creativity or intellectual engagement.

Your innate goodness is there; you just need to realign with it and begin a life of creativity. Adding creativity to your life leads not only to growth, happiness, and fulfillment but to true freedom. Freedom is not something any human should take for granted; it is a fundamental right that all deserve.

As a critical thinker and teacher, my role is to seek truth and teach my students to master critical thinking skills. Freedom in thought is essential. When you allow ideologies to dictate your decisions and learning, you are not truly free.

True freedom comes when you discard biases, reevaluate past arguments, and align with your innate goodness. The pursuit of truth is the path to growth, creativity, adventure, and the best version of yourself.

?

By Ross Paraskevas