About Unfree Freedom

January 24, 2025 Cognitive Insights No Comments

Modern society often celebrates the idea of freedom: of speech, of choice, of movement. We appear to live in an era of unparalleled autonomy, where countless options lie at our fingertips. Yet beneath this facade lies a more troubling reality.

Many of our choices are not truly our own. Fear, manipulation, consumer culture, and even technology guide our decisions in subtle ways, creating the illusion of freedom while diminishing our autonomy at a deeper level. This is the paradox of unfree freedom, where we act as though we are free, yet remain bound by invisible strings.

The illusion of choice

Modern society promises freedom through abundance. We are surrounded by endless choices: what to buy, how to live, who to be. Yet, when faced with too many options, decision-making becomes overwhelming. Rather than empowering us, choice itself can turn into a form of bondage, locking us into constant deliberation.

Worse, many of these choices are not truly ours. Consumer culture thrives on creating desires, presenting us with things to want and strive for that were never part of our authentic aspirations. These manufactured desires – whether for the latest gadget, social status, or lifestyle – trap us in a cycle of superficial fulfillment. It feels like freedom because we are actively choosing, yet these hollow choices are shaped by forces outside of us.

True freedom often lies in the ability to opt out of the endless cycle of choice. Reclaiming freedom means reconnecting with the deeper self to discern what genuinely matters.

Inner dissociation

At the root of unfree freedom is a profound disconnection: individuals are often dissociated from their deeper selves. This inner dissociation creates a void that is easily exploited by external forces. Manipulation thrives in this space. People who are disconnected from their inner core become reactive rather than reflective, responding to societal pressures, fears, or desires that do not truly belong to them.

In this state, freedom becomes superficial. People act as though they are in control, yet their decisions lack authenticity. This reactive living – where actions are shaped by fear or social expectations – keeps individuals locked in patterns that feel free but are fundamentally unfree.

The role of fear

Fear is one of the most potent forces driving unfree freedom. It narrows possibilities, confining individuals to choices that feel safe while avoiding uncertainty. This might seem like a reasonable strategy – after all, survival often requires caution – but when fear becomes the primary driver, freedom diminishes.

A fearful person may appear to choose freely but is often reacting to the need to avoid discomfort, failure, or judgment. This creates an illusion of autonomy, while the actual range of choices is severely constrained. Fear also makes people more susceptible to manipulation. Rigidity born of fear can undermine genuine growth, turning therapy – or life itself – into a mechanical process rather than a dynamic journey of transformation.

To move beyond fear, one must first recognize it. Awareness transforms fear from a controlling force into an ally, offering insight into areas of growth.

Stripped symbols and lost depth

Symbols and rituals, when authentic, serve as powerful anchors to the deeper self. Across cultures, they have been used to express identity, purpose, and connection to something greater. However, when symbols are stripped of their depth – commercialized, trivialized, or imposed without meaning – they lose their power. Instead of speaking to the deeper self, they serve external agendas, reinforcing superficiality.

For instance, the candlelit quiet of a meaningful ritual invites reflection and authenticity. In contrast, a commercially-driven holiday ritual may feel empty, disconnected from the deeper values it once represented. The loss of symbolic depth contributes to unfree freedom, as it deprives individuals of tools to connect with their inner worlds.

Reclaiming symbols involves engaging with rituals or practices that resonate authentically, allowing individuals to reconnect with their deeper selves in ways that feel personal and meaningful.

The subconceptual as the battleground

The subconceptual level is where freedom is most vulnerable and most powerful. This realm – where thoughts, desires, and emotions form before becoming conscious – is the primary target of manipulation. Modern technology, from personalized advertising to social media algorithms, exploits this level to steer behavior without the individual’s awareness.

True freedom is fragile at this level, but it can also flourish here. Autosuggestion and creative engagement with symbols can nurture the subconceptual mind, aligning it with the deeper self. This process invites the subconceptual to grow in harmony with conscious values. “Autosuggestion: so little, so much” provides insight into how subtle, non-coercive suggestions can foster this alignment.

A way forward

Though unfree freedom is pervasive, it is not inescapable. Reclaiming freedom begins with awareness — recognizing the ways in which fear, manipulation, and dissociation have shaped one’s life. From this awareness, steps toward authentic freedom become possible.

Cultivating inner alignment is key ― creating space for the deeper self to emerge. Confronting fear, rather than avoiding it, expands the boundaries of possibility. Fostering environments – personal or societal – that respect autonomy and growth can amplify this freedom.

In the end, freedom is a journey, a continual unfolding toward a horizon that always beckons. It is not about being unbound from all constraints but about walking a path where each step feels authentic and aligned with one’s true self.