[OPEN]

[liberios]

WHO: Eren Jaeger and you
WHERE: Gemini
WHEN: March 1
WHAT: Eren talks about FREEDOM
WARNINGS: Mentions of death

Hey, it's Eren here. I'm from the year 850 and I lived in a town closed off by a massive wall. Back home, the government controlled everything. They had power over the military and they decided who gets to lives and who dies. Commoners struggled to make their keep.

Unless you came from a wealthy family living in the interior, you were out of luck.


In this world, there are no kings to dictate order and subjugate rule. But even without a crown, power still falls into the hands of those willing to take it.

I've learned that everything is not as it seems. I've wondered if freedom exists in this world or if we're just playing into the hands of someone else's plan.

Do you believe that your actions are governed by your own will? Or do you think you're just being led on by the system?

Comments

text | UN: IceQueen

[temperedbyice]

Though the memories of my past life are hazy, it was much the same.

Many people were mistreated, simply for being born into the wrong circumstances.

As those with power, the most we can do is use it to help others. Even if it is not my own will, if my abilities can save a single person, that alone is enough.

[liberios]

You're really kind and that's your strength.

Not everyone uses their power for evil and you're an example of that.

Nobody chooses to be born under the wrong star. We just have to keep living the best we can. I believe that you can make a difference in the world. You care about others and I know for a fact you've helped me too.

[temperedbyice]

I appreciate that, although I’m not sure I’m as kind as you’ve made me out to be.

[When she closes her eyes, she can hear the screams.]

No, but there will always be evil, so we must always be vigilant.

text; un: captainkenway

[jackdawvision]

Nothing is true, everything's permitted. What system is there but one we've made? If you look back, you'll see that every institution that seems so long-lasting is built on little more than sand and agreements.

I ain't saying those agreements don't mean something. I'm saying that the government in your world failed in the duties that were likely outlined by those agreements. It's not one that's like to last under ordinary circumstances, and I've got a feeling it's only hanging on because of something else.

Of course our actions are governed by our wills. Everything we do is. The question is if we're going to respect the wills of everyone else around us, or if we're going to push them down into the dirt just to get our own way.

[liberios]

Yeah, you're not wrong. The government in my world didn't do a good job of keeping things together.

If other people suffer just so kings can be in power then what happens to the rest of us?

I'd like to think that things are better here and we don't have a dictator keeping us all in check. That's something I'll always be grateful for.

We aren't forced into doing anything we don't want to. As long as you're making decisions by your own will then you're free.

When people have clashing ideologies and philosophies then conflicts start. I don't want this place to turn out like my own home.

[jackdawvision]

Good, we’re in agreement. Most likely they’re little more than power-hungry bastards grasping for any excuse to stay in power.

What do you think? The rest of us suffer.

You know, I’d like to think that too. For the most part I do. The world I left behind—a former quartermaster of mine used to be a slave on a plantation, as were many of his countrymen. Slavery had been an institution then, but here and now it’s a foul crime. But at the same time, sometimes it feels as though you’re being asked to sell off a kidney for, what, rent? Electricity? Your pet’s more special needs? I used to be a merchant and I sold spices for a fairer price than what’s on the utility bills on my house.

So things are better, in some ways. Worse in others. That’s how these things go.

Eh, there’s an easy way to stop a conflict between ideologies right in its track. [Murder. Murder is the easy way to do it. Edward’s done it.] Talk it out, usually. Granted, this is assuming you’re both willing to talk. If the other party decides to physically open fire on you for daring to defy them, you’re more than allowed to fire back at them.

What happened in your home?

un: wilder | text

[wilder]

I don't know, I think the question of "are we free" is too broad, unhelpful, and individualistic-focused to really use when discussing human society. Not only because every person has a different definition for what "true freedom" really entails, but because part of the social contract humans take part of to live in a society requires to give up some level of freedom in order to maintain a workable society.

I mean, sure, it'd be great if we could toss out law books and let people do whatever they want-- but it's human nature that some folks would abuse that freedom and harm other people. And what does that mean for the people who are getting hurt? Do we ignore their right to freedom because we don't want to infringe on the guys hurting them? That wouldn't be fair to them. Or do we set up a system that stops those people from harming others, even if it means limiting their freedom.

Then again, while I'd say this society's got a lot sweeter deal than what you went through, it's far from perfect. There are a lot of injustices or laws that are really just there to screw other someone. But that's probably true of every society that ever existed, because societies are made of people and people are flawed.

As for your own actions... again, I don't think it's an either or. I think both sides play an influence in how a person turns out. But I do think it's important for someone to take responsibilities for their own actions, rather than just blaming the system entirely.

Buuuut what do I know! I just look pretty for the internet. 💖

[liberios]

You're making a lot of good statements. Mr.Wilder? Is that what I should be calling you? We haven't met before.

There's different types of freedom and it depends on the person too. You're absolutely right.

We can't just do whatever we want though. Even in a workable society, there has to be law and order. It wouldn't be any good if people just got up and started committing crimes because they could.

At the very least, we have the freedom to speak up and decide what to do with our lives.

I know things aren't perfect, but we have to make the most of it. The system is flawed but so are we.

We're responsible for ourselves and how it affects those around us. I've seen the strength of humanity and our wills shouldn't be underestimated.

Do you believe that our wills are strong?

[wilder]

Zelos Wilder! You can call me Zelos, I'm not old enough to be a Mr. anything just yet.

Oh sure, I can get behind free speech and the right to choose what course your life takes. I just think it's a give and take of where freedom should end and order begin, but that's an argument people have been having since people existed.

As for people's wills.... I think again that's a complicated question. Willpower isn't static, every person has their strong moments and their weak moments - and more important, everyone has their limits. A moment where the weight gets too much to bear and they crumble.

People like to call people who crumble weak and make it out to be all their fault, but... I don't know. It's not like anyone knows the exact weight another person's carrying.

text; un: X_GoldenSword_X

[orchidingold]

Why are you posting this on a Saturday morning. Don’t you have better things to do than start a philosophy class on social media?? You’re just gonna get a bunch of idiots spewing whatever they can spin up about freedom off the top of their head.

text | un: shinope

[killerapp]

lol feeding the trolls

[orchidingold]

Look I’m just SAYING, 70-30 this is going to turn into a Reddit or Tumblr shitstorm.

text | UN: Thorn

[poisontippedcure]

Oh, sod off.

It’s not my favorite thing either, but there’s nothing stopping you from just ignoring it, you know.

[orchidingold]

How am I gonna ignore it when the stupid app shoves it into my face?? While I’m eating pancakes! Anyway who expects real philosophical discussions on the Internet??

[liberios]

I'm posting it on a Saturday morning because I'm off from tutor lessons.


You're just here to meme, aren't you?

[orchidingold]

I’m not here to meme I’m just here to link you this article I found about how philosophical discussions on the Internet always end in somebody getting doxxed.

text

[thewarriorqueen]

As opposed to idiots spewing off complaints about posts they don't even have to read if they don't want to?

text

[thewarriorqueen]

Sure, you're almost always going to get the people who want power in charge. Plenty of people don't want anything to do with it, either they don't care, or they feel it's too much responsibility, or whatever. But if they don't want to, why try to make them, just to keep the people who do want it out?

I think what matters is having ways to limit the chances people have to abuse the power they get. You mentioned kings, and with kings, usually the king can pretty much do anything he wants and no one can stop him. If someone speaks up against the king? Well, the king can just have that person punished, or exiled, or even straight up executed.

People here can talk back to those in charge, say they're doing things wrong. Heck, even on the Libra app people talk crap about Zodiac and some of the people who work there all the time and nothing's done about it. That's just one example, but that's a kind of freedom, don't you think?

text

[liberios]

There's no point in forcing people to do things that they don't want to do. Even in a dictatorship, the king can't always control people in a way that he sees fit.

As for those who oppose him and the ruling class, they might be in for some trouble. I won't disagree. In my world, the government censored information and deliberately made it difficult for people to learn more about the world.

They were afraid that if people learned the truth they would lose their power.

Anyone can voice an opinion but it's only those who take action that can make a real difference.

text: un: Mr.ColdFeet

[anyprice]

Woweee, your world sounds like it SUCKS.
It's not like our world is SUPER BETTER, as there's always a system in place that makes everyone have to struggle to survive in different ways, sure, but at least this world the people who control the rules--that's the Government by the way--don't decide who lives and who dies with a military force. Sheesh.

The difference here too, is, that if you're clever enough, you can make your way through on easy street. Capitalism sure is a concept! Money makes the world go 'round and if you're good at making money, then you don't need to worry too much about the little stuff, you know?

I think my life is mine. And sure, maybe there are systems in place that try to tie me down, but. They don't tie me down so hard that I can't do whatever fun thing crosses my mind on a day-to-day! That's what matters in life. Living each day like it might be your last, finding things that bring you joy! Most people have whaaat, 100 years or less to live?
Why spend them worrying about things that make you miserable. Like whether or not the government is in control of the world. Especially when you have two good legs and a pair of hands that can get you to the next day.

[liberios]

Saying my world sucks might be a bit of an understatement.

Struggling for survival is just something we have to do no matter what system we're under. I'm thankful that the government here isn't controlling the military and deciding who lives or dies. The system is far from perfect, but it's better than what I've got back at home.

Having some money can get you far in life. Hell, I'd even say that if you've got money you can use it to influence others too. Capitalism will always exist as long as there's an economy.

You're right, most people don't live past 100 years old and life is short. We have try to find meaning with our own lives with the time we've got.

Our day to day lives shapes us into who we are. Our lives belong to us and I don't think a king can change that.

text | un: sinnoh

[blessed_bonds]

You humans ask such strange questions. One being, no matter how powerful, can't rule if others don't choose to follow. And deciding not to follow is always an option, no matter what the consequences are.

[liberios]

The consequences might make people hesitate to rebel against order. The choice is still there though.

It's up to people to decide.

Text | UN: makeitaventi

[venti_late]

[Man. The local God of Wind and Freedom should maybe give his opinion on the matter. It's a delicate tightrope he has to walk, though. A being that engenders the concept of freedom ironically needs to restrain themself in order for other people to retain their own free will. If he comes right out and say one thing or the other, that won't really help.

Thus, it's time to be a bard.]

I don't have an opinion to tell, but perhaps a story will serve us well! My past life made a home in Mondstadt, a nation that worshiped the Anemo Archon, God of Wind and Freedom, Barbatos.

Ah, and it's the start of March, which means that it's the time of Windblume from my world. So, allow me to tell you the story of the Windblume!

Once, there was a time in which a tyrannical god-king ruled over Mondstadt in a tower caged by stormy winds. The Windblume had become a symbol of rebellion. After overthrowing their tyrannical god, there was no need for such a symbol other than in the history of the nation's founding. It instead was transformed into something new. It still represented freedom, but now it also represented an expression of love in all its forms.

"But what is a Windblume?" The people wondered. They sought the guidance of their god. "Lord Barbatos, please tell us, what had the Windblume been?"

And Barbatos replied, "'Tis a beautiful plant that thrives in harsh winds and cold."

That is all he would say about the Windblume. So, the people gathered and debated amongst themselves!

"It must be the windwheel aster!" Some cried. "It was used often in the time of rebellion!"

"No, no," others passionately refuted, "It must be the dandelion! No longer do we need to fight for our freedom. This is our symbol of love and devotion, for the seeds carried on the wind will bring our feelings to Barbatos!"

"But what of the beauteous and rare cecilia?" Another stated.

"Why not the sweetflower?"

"Why not mint?"

And so they decided to hold a festival dedicated to offering up what they thought was the Windblume of Barbatos' memories to the winds, so that they might take the bloom to their beloved god. Every year, they would choose one person amongst the celebrants to have the honor of offering their Windblume to Barbatos as a representation of Mondstadt's feelings to their Anemo Archon.

So now I turn the question to you! Was this part of Barbatos' plan? Were we led on by our god?

And, most importantly, what do you think the Windblume was?

[liberios]

That's some story, alright.

I'm not exactly strong at religion and I don't follow any God. As for Barbatos being the God of Wind and Freedom, it really depends on what the people of Mondstadt think of him.

If they saw him as a tyrant then they'd think they were led on by their God. If not, maybe they'd just call it guidance.

How did they even decide who honors the offerings to Barbatos? I bet you couldn't just pick some random guy.