Quote of the Day by Corliss Lamont on Freedom: “True freedom is the ability to act according to what is true….” | Today’s news
Quote of the Day by Corliss Lamont: “True freedom is the ability to act in accordance with one’s true character, to be completely oneself, to be self-determined and not subject to external pressure.”
American socialist and humanist philosopher Corliss Lamont believed that freedom is something that is much deeper than the mere right to make decisions. According to this perspective, true freedom means having the ability to live authentically, make independent decisions, and stay true to one’s values without being controlled by external pressure or coercion.
What does this quote mean?
The wise words of civil liberties advocate Corliss Lamont suggest that freedom begins with self-knowledge and is exercised when one acts in accordance with one’s true character, understanding, principles, strengths, aspirations, and beliefs. Freedom therefore means making thoughtful decisions that are in line with a person’s deepest values and at the same time respecting the rights and freedoms of others.
Corliss Lamont emphasized that the most meaningful form of freedom begins within. To be free is to know who we are, to think for ourselves, to make conscious decisions and to have the courage to live according to our true values. When we become self-determined rather than controlled by external forces, we come closer to experiencing freedom in its truest sense.
How is this quote relevant in today’s context
The timeless quote is relevant in today’s society as a single individual should be able to think critically, disagree respectfully and form independent judgements. In a democratic set-up where freedom of thought and expression is essential, true freedom includes the ability to challenge prevailing views. When people are afraid to express their opinions because of intimidation or coercion, their political and personal freedom is curtailed.
Lamont’s message reminds us that freedom comes with responsibility, self-determination does not mean ignoring the welfare of others, true freedom exists alongside mutual respect, justice and responsibility. In this day and age, this quote offers an important lesson that teaches us that freedom is not just the absence of chains, it is the presence of courage and the opportunity to live authentically. It encourages us to examine whether our decisions are truly ours, or whether they are shaped by fear, expectations, and external pressures.
More about Corliss Lamont
Born in Englewood, New Jersey on 28 March 1902 to JP Morgan & Co chairman W Lamont and Florence Haskell (Corliss), he criticized the Soviets. He graduated as valedictorian from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1920 and magna cum laude from Harvard University in 1924. He received a doctorate in philosophy in 1932 from Columbia University. He has taught at several universities, including Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, and the New School for Social Research.
Some of his notable books and major works are listed below:
- Philosophy of Humanism
- The illusion of immortality
- Freedom is just like freedom
- Freedom of choice confirmed
- A lifetime of dissent
- Soviet civilization
- Lover’s Credo: Poems of Love
- Remembering John Masefield
- Humanist Wedding Service
- Humanist Funeral Service
More Corliss Lamont quotes
“The sequences of cause and effect in our brains are as determinative, as inevitable, as anywhere else in nature.”
“We do not ask to be born; and we do not ask to die. But we must be born and we must die. We arise and perish. And in neither case does a generous fate await our ratification of its decree.”
“Humanism believes that the individual achieves the good life by harmoniously combining personal satisfaction and continuous self-development with meaningful work and other activities that contribute to the well-being of the community.”
