The Price of Freedom
Responsibility is the price of freedom. Dr E said this to me. I told him that Elbert Hubbard had said this. Dr E was suitably impressed. Hubbard was a writer, artists and philosopher. I told Dr E that as well. Dr E asked me if I agreed with this statement. I like it when he makes a statement and invites me to comment on it. He clearly values my opinion. I said I disagreed with the statement for two reasons. Firstly, freedom is the absence of responsibility. That is why I am free. I am not shackled by the conventions of responsibility, that would inhibit me too much. My excellence at my job cannot be constrained by such a notion, that is why the legwork must be done by others. I am the creator, the genesis of the big idea. I am not responsible for others, they must lead their own lives. Yes I try to ensure they follow the right path, I guide and direct but I am not responsible for the outcome. That lies with other people. I must be free to do as I want otherwise how can I function? I cannot be kept caged. My freedom is paramount, it is my right. Dr E asked me what the second reason was. I explained that one cannot accept such a statement made by a travelling soap salesman, what would he know about the subject?
21 thoughts on “The Price of Freedom”
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I found this article good to read, short but to the point.
https://narcsite.com/2016/07/06/the-price-of-freedom/
“ I am not shackled by the conventions of responsibility, that would inhibit me too much” – in my view, ‘conventions’ is the operative word here, ‘sheep herd mentality’ by ‘blinkers’ wearers within society.
“that is why the legwork must be done by others. I am the creator, the genesis of the big idea. I am not responsible for others, they must lead their own lives. Yes I try to ensure they follow the right path, I guide and direct but I am not responsible for the outcome. That lies with other people”
Such a brilliant paragraph.
Perceiving the words here (above paragraph) using my lateral thinking, I thought that this was a really good explanation of summarising what KTN site is for, what your work ‘aims’ are, who it ‘benefits’, who is accountable.
You’re giving the resources on a ‘plate’ and how people choose to use those resources in order to learn and understand about narcissism is giving people the choice which pieces of your work is applicable to them – that works for them, not necessarily others who are ‘aiming’ for the same goal (empowerment against narcissism). In saying this, the overall ‘aim’ is similar but how it works for people as a whole will produce different results for each individual on their path of ‘rediscovering’ themselves.
I’ve taken ‘accountability’ of my own psychological ‘re-programming’ and I hold you responsible for this platinum opportunity that I would not have been able to achieve otherwise.
The ‘freedom’ I have been given is priceless and thank you deeply for this, HG.
I understand. N’s think it is the responsibility to provide you and the so called normal thinking would think that responsibility of life falls with oneself. I see.
Freedom includes the choice to do the right thing…or not. Choosing to do the right thing, even when consequences are negative to one’s self as opposed to always choosing the path of self gratification is what integrity is. Not exercising integrity because one is a slave to self gratification at the expense of others is hardly freedom. Freedom is choice. if you think your very survival is contingent on self gratification gathered in the form of fuel, you are a prisoner of distorted thinking and not free at all. Most of us want you to be free HG. But like Pharoah of Egypt, you have turned this curse upon yourself. Which reminds me, The Ten Commandments- another classic. Narcs and Empaths (Gods and Kings?)
I was being a little tongue in cheek there HG, as I would never in truth suggest not taking a narc seriously.
As regards being an anarchist I was using the word in the sense that in the world of the narc he lives by his own authority not governed by the rules of society.
Of course I consider you enlightened as, from your writing, you are clearly perceptive, well informed and highly self aware and I find your work extremely enlightening. Thank you.
Thank you for the expansion. I am inclined to agree that using the word in the sense you have described it is entirely an apt description, thank you for that, I may well use that going forward.
Delusion at its best!
Freedom is the abscence of ovligations or the abscence to comply to such obligations.. Any kind of obligation…its how I see freedom.
Your banter with Dr. E is very entertaining. This makes a point. It is all in the perception. If it isn’t too intrusive to ask, how is treatment going? Do you see Dr. E signing a release form anytime soon? Dr. O would have to follow. Do you see that happening?
I am pleased you think so. It is ongoing and I am finding the increased awareness interesting and useful as well as enjoying out interactions (for the most part). I do not see a release being signed any time soon since they both enjoy the fees so much. Oh and my company of course.
Impressive with the first two statements. I get the drift.
I’m thinking though that Hubbard was advocating the narcs absence of responsibility when he said “Do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing, and you’ll never be criticised.”
Also I’m sure another one of his quotes was “Don’t take narcs too seriously. You’ll never get out of it alive.”
In many ways I think he was ahead of his time and like yourself an enlightened anarchist…what do you think HG?
An enlightened anarchist? I have never been described as that before. What makes you write that?
The quote you use above is often mis-attributed to Aristotle and it’s such a tremendous quote – absolutely bang-on.
I make this point often – the reason people despise the 1 per cent is because they are jealous and also disappointed by their own lack of accomplishments and success. It’s easier to bitch and whine about how evil and awful the people on top are than it is to stop cramming chips into your gob, get your ass off the couch and do something with your damn life.
The most successful, beautiful, brilliant people are quite often the most scorned. Because in our society, you’re not supposed to rise too quickly or be too good at anything, lest you rouse suspicion.
If you work your ass off to be the best or better than; if you devote your life to success at all costs; if you’re born to be great and to lead (in a day and age where everyone else would rather follow because it’s easier), then people are going to criticize because, yet again, you fall outside the acceptable “norm.”
It’s disturbing how flawed society is. HG, please run for president and get elected so you can turn things around, will you?
I can only stand for election when it is the World Presidency B&T.
But of course. So the question is – what are we waiting for?
I`d love to be your campaign chair, if you`d bestow the honour upon me.
Granted.
HG would have to run for Prime minster and that looks like a woman will brilliantly hold that reign next.
Mind you, so will a woman for President In the USA.
Do you re-read what you write? I am amazed that you feel you have no responsibilities. What about your responsibility of securing your fuel?
Me thinks you fool yourself HG! I am very humored by this post.
That’s an entitlement, not a responsibility.
And over to HG for the win!
It`s not your responsibility to secure fuel, it is the responsibility of others to provide it because you are entitled to it.
If they fail to provide, then they are themselves responsible for any repercussions that may result.
Freedom is paramount and it is inevitable.
I absolutely agree about not being responsible for others. Yes, absolutely!!! I say this all the time and people get so angry with me. Ì try to impart this wisdom on people in my life.
“You are responsible for yourself. Everything that happens in your life – everything that happens to you – you are responsible for. If you want to change things, it’s up to you. No one else but you.”
Most people I know HATE to hear that. They always want someone else to be responsible or to help them or support them or listen to them.