The history of the
word 'concept of freedom'

Freedom plays a major role in our daily lives. Everyone gives its own meaning to it, based on experiences, values and context. At the same time, the belief often arises that less choice automatically means less freedom. Yet this is more nuanced. Fewer options need not evoke a sense of limitation when you understand how our concept of freedom has been formed.

What is freedom?

According to historian Annelien de Dijn, there are persistent misconceptions about the origins of our thinking on freedom. De Dijn is professor of Modern Political History at Utrecht University and researched the development of freedom through the ages. She published a book about it with Harvard University Press. In this book, she draws an interesting conclusion. For it was previously thought that we owe our current vision of freedom to the freedom-lovers of the era of the French Revolution. After all, the slogan “liberty, equality, fraternity” typified this period when people fought for human freedom. Her research shows that our current interpretation does not stem from the ideals of freedom of the French Revolution. It was precisely the counter-movement of that period that shaped our modern definition. “Our vision of freedom today is precisely due to the people who opposed the collective freedom movement,” Annelien de Dijn said.

Collective concept of freedom

The basis lies thousands of years back. More than 2,500 years ago, the Greeks were already talking about being free. You were either a slave or you were free. Later, a democratic system emerged in which free men had a direct say in governance. Freedom thus became something collective: the ability to determine together what society looks like. The Romans adopted this model, but in the Middle Ages this collective meaning disappeared. Power returned to kings and emperors.

Individualistic concept of freedom

The French Revolution broke out and there was a fight against absolute monarchy. After the French Revolution, the meaning of freedom shifted again. The conservative elite introduced a different perspective. The focus was not on collective decision-making, but on the right to live your own life without interference from others. The concept took on an individual connotation: your own choices, your own possessions, your own path. This vision is still the basis of many social discussions.

Freedom today

In modern life, we often experience freedom as the ability to pursue personal goals. As a result, we sometimes lose sight of the fact that it also has a social component. De Dijn emphasizes that it feels stronger when you feel yourself part of a greater whole. It is then not only about self-determination, but also about contributing to the group to which you belong.

Increasing the sense of freedom

Fewer choices need not mean loss of freedom. That feeling grows when connection, understanding and commitment increase. Paying attention to those around you and giving space to their stories creates a sense of togetherness. That ultimately strengthens your own sense of freedom as well.

Source: Utrecht University