There is No Freedom Without Truth
New Earth, Part 4
Here’s a story to set the stage for today’s post on The Tolton Path:
(Read all of the New Earth series)
Even though they were in space, walking through the spinning Welcoming Station had the same gravity levels as that of Earth. Each wall had windows and each long and narrow room had bright white lights, funneling passengers to the assembly room.
A woman smiled at Tao. “This way, please,” she said, pointing to the open door. She wore a white uniform and hat, the same as many others waving people inside. “An orientation meeting will be underway shortly. Your belongings will be waiting for you in your assigned room.”
Tao sat down in an empty row. He eyed each person sitting around him. Each glance brought the same question: what were their real motivations for colonizing New Earth? It will take all his training to not only answer this question, but to know how to react and, most importantly, execute the needed action. It is what is required for The Formation.
“So, what brings you here?” A woman says, surprising Tao. He turns around. “Was it the view?” Her pale white face smiles, framed by straight black hair.
Tao smiles, “You could say that.”
“I’m from the Freedom Delegation,” she says. Putting her hand out, “I’m Liberty.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me?” He shakes her hand. “Tao.”
“I assure you, I’m not kidding. We take freedom seriously. Just like your delegation. Where is your delegation?”
Tao looks to each side. “I guess I’m it.”
“You’re alone?” Liberty asks, surprised.
Something hits Tao’s back, jarring him forward. “Heck, no, Tao ain’t alone!” Reed says, winking at Tao. “Tao here is an honorary member of the freedom loving, Republic delegation.” Tao shakes his head as Reed’s hand grabs his shoulder.
The lights dim low and letters begin to fly around the room. Ultimately, they stop and hover at the front, leaving the words “New Earth: New Freedom.”
A female voice begins to speak. “New Earth delegation, please welcome, the CEO of The Corporation, Mr. Maxwell Rhodes.”
–End story (for now)–
(Read all of the New Earth series)
There is No Freedom Without Truth
Are free societies better? If so, how much freedom? Is there such a thing as too much freedom? Benjamin Franklin talks about the importance of freedom to prevent a tyrannical government. Here are some of his quotes:
“Without freedom of thought there can be no such thing as wisdom; and no such thing as public liberty, without freedom of speech.”
“Freedom of speech is a principal pillar of a free government; when this support is taken away, the constitution of a free society is dissolved, and tyranny is erected on its ruins. Republics…derive their strength and vigor from a popular examination into the action of the magistrates.”
“Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become more corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.”
When truth is so distorted, freedom disintegrates. Indeed, society disintegrates and tyranny takes hold. Adolph Hitler knew that controlling the truth was a requirement to controlling a population. Here are some of his quotes:
Tell a lie loud enough and long enough and people will believe it.
When an opponent declares, "I will not come over to your side," I calmly say, "Your child belongs to us already...What are you? You will pass on. Your descendants, however, now stand in the new camp. In a short time they will know nothing else but this new community."
A definite factor in getting a lie believed is the size of the lie. The broad mass of the people, in the simplicity of their hearts, more easily fall victim to a big lie than to a small one.
Hitler’s distortion of the truth and confiscation of freedoms across Europe affected million, including Saint John Paul II, who was Polish. Indeed, he believed that truth was a cornerstone of freedom. According to Monika Jablonska, his writings show that freedom rests on these four main foundations:
Truth: “Man’s free creative forces will only develop to the full if they are based on the truth, which is given to every man as an unshakable foundation. Only then will he be able to realize himself fully and even outgrow himself. There is no freedom without truth.”
Solidary: “Freedom experienced in solidarity is expressed in action for justice in the political and social fields, and directs the gaze towards the freedom of others. There is no freedom without solidarity.”
Sacrifice: “Freedom is an extremely precious value, for which a high price must be paid. It requires generosity and readiness for sacrifice; it requires vigilance and courage in the face of internal and external forces that threaten it. … There is no freedom without sacrifice.”
Love. “Leave the gate open by opening your hearts! There is no freedom without love.”
Freedom and truth are inexplicable connected. Think about making a decision to buy something—a car, a watch, shoes—and how much research you do before hand. You rely on information to make an informed decision to make a choice. As such, truth is a requirement to acting out freedom.
It’s harder to find the truth these days. Stay diligent and stay free.
Peace.