Freedom of will, according to Wikipedia, is the ability of rational agents to exercise control over their actions, decisions, or choices. The key words for me here are rational and control.
In our advocacy for freedom to express our ideas, we should also exercise caution. Because with freedom (in any form) comes responsibility (ours) and respect (for others).
I strongly believe in freedom of speech but I also understand that for all of us to enjoy freedom, there must be guidelines that we set ourselves – not to rabble rouse but to win people over with thought, restraint and sane arguments.
I believe that while passion helps us promote a cause, respect for others would help us understand why they do not agree with us. Another sane point of view, given freely, without abuse, would go further to helping a cause (whatever it might be).
I believe that freedom to express should come after we have explored, understood, and distilled our thoughts before expression.
I believe that keeping an open mind is the best expression of freedom.
Tags: control, Freedom, rational, responsibility, Wikipedia