Thread by @EatMoreEggroll, "Freedom is the power to choose our own chains." A thread:I've been [...]

"Freedom is the power to choose our own chains."

A thread:

I've been wanting to explore some of the teachings of "Ethics" in depth for a while now, so I thought I'd start with my favorite lesson: The relationship between freedom and anxiety, and the importance of limitation.

Tales of old have been warning us of the dangers of uninhibited freedom long before scientific discovery and experimentation made it a definite, measurable phenomenon. We see it in the story of Icarus, the Golden Calf, and King Midas.

The greatest minds were keenly aware: Too much freedom, too much possibility, and the act of forsaking structure and restraint can only bring about ruin. (Death, actually, in all of these stories. A bit dramatic, but I suppose it drives the point home appropriately.)

Levels of anxiety are at an all time high. It is understandable, with all of our screens, appliances geared towards maximum efficiency, and millions of apps and accounts and companies all vying for our attention at all times (you've all heard this schpeel) *1

When one doesn't have someone or something enforcing limitation on their lives, it is always scary.
We see it in Hazama. Nobody told him to go to sleep at a decent time. Nobody told him to not go out so late. Nobody told him to do his chores, homework, or pay attention in class

Distractions. Games. Late nights. Bad influences. So many possibilities. So many things that Hazama is completely free to do. Nothing whatsoever to restrict him. Possibilities spread us thin. Literally. The pure act of resisting them can lower our IQ by 10
*2

So, if it is true that an abundance of freedom, opportunity, potential, and distractions causes anxiety, then the opposite is true, too.

Yes. We frequently claim the desire for unrestricted freedom, but in reality, we are miserable without the confines of limitation.

We thrive in limitation. It's so obvious if one looks. Those who dedicate themselves to a single skill go on to create masterpieces. We set completely unnecessarily limitations on completely unnecessarily actions to keep us engaged in the form of games and sports.

We are amazed at the abilities of those who can show true skill within the confines of limitations. A Chess Master wouldn't be as impressive if they just played every piece as a Queen, and athletes who cheat and skirt the rules are never popular.

And so, Ironically, we seek limitation constantly. When Hazama called Mr. Takayanagi, he was seeking that limitation. The limitation of having to focus only on the movie. The limitation of going to school, attending class, and sharing his thoughts the next day.

The problem is, not everyone has a Mr. Takayanagi. If we seek the limitations set by other people, they may trap us in ways that are detrimental to us instead of beneficial. There are many parental figures who do this unknowingly. There are also people who do this knowingly

This is how cults happen, for example. Cult leaders frequently take advantage of people's lack of ability to take agency in the creation of structure and meaning in their own lives.

The adoption of a preconceived set of rules isn't always bad. Take religion, for example. Religious people have statistically less levels of anxiety than those who aren't, but I'd much rather encourage the construction of your own set of guidelines tailored to your individuality

So, why not set your own limitations? If you feel your life is spiraling out of control, like Hazama, you can limit your actions with escapism. In his case, it prevented him from engaging in bad behavior. However, while this can stop the spiral, you can't end it at that.

Yes, escapism can very well stop the spiral. However, it won't enable you to "escape," truly. After the movie ends, you will still have all your distractions, problems, and possibilities endlessly piling up. Moving forward requires much more effort.

Look at life as a game, perhaps, or a sport. Start making rules. If your rule/limitation is "watch a movie," then perhaps, once you've gotten comfortable with that, set limitations on that limitation, and make it "I can only watch a movie once I've finished my homework."

If you are able to get good at your "game," add more limitations. Don't let yourself stagnate. As the rules stack upon each other, structure emerges, and there is little more overwhelmingly beneficial to one's mental health than the existence of structure in one's life. *3

Surprisingly, the more complex your game becomes, the easier it becomes to add more complexity. You start getting good at adapting to limitation. This is the essence of discipline. Like everything else, it is a skill you can absolutely improve at over time.

And so, in the words of Mr. Takayanagi, by setting limitations for ourselves and our actions, we won't be free. We also won't be as anxious.

Limitations make us focused. Confines force us to be creative. Rules and structure keep us methodical and alert.

As Jean-Jacques Rousseau once said, "Freedom is the power to choose your own chains," and it is in all of our best interests to do so.

Sources so you guys know I'm not just spouting bullshit nonsense:
*1 - Statistic by the American Psychological Association
*2 - A study done by Glenn Wilson of King's College, Commissioned by Hewlett Packard
*3 - Stephen J. Vodanovich in Psychological Reports

If you are interested in exploring the topic in further detail, I suggest looking into the studies on anxiety by Rollo May and Soren Kierkegaard. The concept of Ego-depletion is also a good branch-off for anyone looking for the best way to implement limitation into their lives.

Here is a good video to start. For those interested in becoming more focused and kicking bad habits/addictions

Also, I personally use an app called "Flora" to limit time on my phone while I'm working. Basically you set a timer and it plants a seed. If you stay off your phone for that amount of time, a flower blooms, and you can make a pretty garden.

If not, it fucking dies and you have a shriveled up gross flower twig in your nice garden. Idk. It works for me. Thanks for reading. Read Ethics, and push the agenda. Bye.

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