Freiheit – Freedom – Libertad – libertà – 自由 – свобoда
You can currently read the following citation of Benjamin Franklin on my private web site duerre.de:
» Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. «
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
(According to wikiquote, Benjamin Franklin actually said it.)
I particularly like the sentence.
But: time and again, I hear – even from reasonable persons who I know only have the best interest in mind – that there is no liberty without security. Hearing this not only hurts – I also consider it dangerous to say such a thing. Using this reasoning, you open up all possible opportunities for abuse (by the state).
Consequently, I will now try to clarify my thesis:
Liberty is a value.
Security is a need.
“Value” and “need” have nothing in common as far as their definitions go.
It is always problematic to sacrifice values for needs.
But someone who is prepared to sacrifice a basic value in order to to satisfy a small and temporary need (even if he only demands it in theory or will accept it as a possible consequence), has not deserved this value!
Please keep that in mind! I ask this of everyone, especially of politicians and leaders.
RMD
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