The Search for Freedom in Writing

For centuries, the idea of freedom has generated numerous debates about its meaning and implementation. In The Social Contract, Rousseau argues that the natural human has total freedom but also recognizes that this freedom is undermined by modern artificial needs. John Rawls identifies freedom as an essence of humanity rather than an external aspect, thus an individual could still be free even when certain liberties are restricted by the state, while John Stuart Mill perceives freedom as a prerequisite for happiness. Alternatively, Plato adopts a different view of freedom, highlighting the necessity of knowledge and understanding of the world’s reality as the causes for liberation. For Rousseau, Rawls, Mill, and Plato, the understanding of freedom as a concept that propagates liberty and justice is quite clear but the philosophers have different ideas on its fundamental nature and how it works in a practical setting.

What does freedom look or feel like, and does writing hold the space for this concept?

Looking at Mill’s perception of freedom as a necessity for happiness, I am tempted to reflect on freedom from the perspective that it is important for a person’s happiness. Mill accepted the definition of freedom as a liberty of conscience, feelings, and opinions which allows the person to do what they desire without obstruction from others as long as one does not harm others.

The above definition reveals two important elements of freedom: the autonomous and uninhibited mind and the lack of constraints in expressing oneself irrespective of nonconformity. It is a common understanding, that freedom from constraints allows a person to fully and authentically express themselves even though their thoughts and actions do not conform to the norm. Is this kind of free expression found in writing? What does it mean when a writer says they have found freedom in writing? 

Freedom from constraints – is this possible?

When looking at freedom from constraints, an often-asked question is whether a writer of fiction or non-fiction can freely express their thoughts and ideas without social or internal constraints. Some of the most renowned literature has challenged or criticized oppressive politics, bigotry, and morally bankrupt leaders among other social ills of a particular time. At the same time, writing does not occur in a vacuum which means the environment influences a writer’s output. The outcome is that a lot of writers consciously or unconsciously engage in self-censorship depending on their background. Some subjects are already designated as taboo topics in the mind.

An escape to genres like fantasy, science fiction, and horror can provide an outlet for non-conventional thoughts and ideas. For example, in politically repressive societies such genres can allow writers to include LGBTQ+ characters and ideas in ways that literary fiction and non-fiction cannot.      

Freedom from constraints is an intrinsic factor in defining freedom. Letting go and being able to truly express personal thoughts and ideas without societal or self-imposed censorship is the mark of freedom in writing. However, reality is sometimes different since it shackles the writer with social and political constraints, thus limiting the written word. In the African context of which I am familiar, storytelling that dominates the mainstream is both conforming and non-threatening. The main criticisms dominating the works concern politicians and political systems, but even then, there are taboo areas where government and social attitudes are unchallenged in mainstream literature. The moral posturing over LGBTQ+ issues that has escalated to state-sanctioned violence against vulnerable, minority groups is the most prominent example.

Freedom in writing is the liberty of consciousness, thought, feeling, and opinion. The liberty to pursue things as we like, without obstruction from others so long as we do not cause harm. A space that supports nonconforming thoughts and actions.

I long for the kind of freedom that releases fear, that gives both choice and responsibility to the writer’s thoughts and actions. An experience of freedom that opens a path to endless possibilities as I let go and just write.