Today, I want to talk about two seemingly unrelated things. First, I recall the time when my son was a high school freshman. Twenty years have passed since then, and the term 青涩少年 (qīng sè shào nián) comes to mind. It means "green and astringent youth," referring to someone who is immature, naive, and inexperienced. While I miss that 青涩少年, I'm also glad to see he has transformed from that immature youth into the CEO of his own 10-year-old company, now employing over 120 people.
Witnessing his journey has been incredible. Both of us have entered new stages in our lives, finding unique meanings in our respective paths. I hope we continue our daily efforts and keep our eyes on the bright distant horizon.
The second topic is freedom. I often hear people talk about the immense freedom individuals enjoy in the U.S. They throw the word "freedom" around casually, as if they fully understand its depth.
Freedom comes in many dimensions. Countries like the U.S., with freedoms enshrined in their laws and constitution, provide a legal foundation for personal liberties, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and the press. These external freedoms create an environment where individuals can explore their potential and express themselves without fear.
However, true freedom is deeply rooted in one's thinking and independent spirit. Historical figures like Galileo Galilei and Nicolaus Copernicus exemplify this. They not only thought independently against external forces but also had the courage to uphold and fight for their beliefs, much like Martin Luther.
Forces limiting individual freedom also come in many forms, whether from the government, social norms, or conventional thinking. In countries with guaranteed external freedoms, those without a free spirit may still be mere mouthpieces of authority, being trapped by societal expectations, cultural norms, or personal insecurities.
Conversely, even in countries with limited political freedoms, individuals with a free spirit can achieve a sense of internal freedom through critical thinking and self-reflection. True freedom lies in the ability to think independently and live authentically, regardless of external circumstances.
Remember, living in a "free country" does not automatically grant you a free spirit. Without independent thought, one can be as restricted in mind as those living under overt oppression. The extreme case of people with free spirits can be found among those in the Nazi Auschwitz concentration camp. Despite facing unimaginable horrors, some individuals maintained their inner freedom and humanity, refusing to let their spirit be broken.
Reflecting on my son's journey and the broader concept of freedom, I am reminded that both personal growth and true freedom require courage, persistence, and a willingness to challenge the status quo and question crowd and conventional thinking.
Whether through personal experiences or philosophical exploration, the essence of true freedom is the same: it is about thinking independently and living authentically. As we continue on our journeys, let us remember to nurture our free spirits, embracing the challenges and opportunities that come our way.