Welcome!
This website was born from a meeting between people from two different generations who were surprised to discover that their views on the value of liberty are completely different. This discovery prompted us to reflect more deeply on how freedom is perceived in different parts of the world and by different generations.
Łukasz, Poland, Age 18
For me, freedom is one of the most valuable aspects of life. It means having the ability to make my own decisions, pursue my goals, and shape my future on my own terms. It is not just about the absence of restrictions but also about taking responsibility for my choices. Freedom gives me the space to grow, explore the world, and follow my passions. I believe that true freedom is not only financial independence or the lack of external limitations but also freedom of mind – the ability to think critically, question imposed norms, and stay true to my own beliefs.
The first 25 years of my life were spent in Poland, under a totalitarian system where I secretly learned about the free West by listening to Radio Free Europe at night and produced anti-regime leaflets in a darkroom. My grandfather, who was arrested by the Gestapo in 1943, spent over a year in the Auschwitz concentration camp before perishing in Mauthausen in May 1945.
For me, freedom meant escape; for my grandfather, it meant death.
I believe that the value of freedom changes over time—both individually and collectively. Today, freedom is a more complex and multifaceted concept. For some, it means freedom of speech; for others, protection from excessive corporate or governmental influence. We live in an era of increasing division, where the values deemed worth defending can differ fundamentally—even among neighbors.
Now, living in a democracy, the greater challenge is finding universal values and a common ground on which we can defend freedom together. A neutral stance ultimately means submission to totalitarian systems. But if people define freedom differently, can they still defend it together? Perhaps the key lies in seeking common ground rather than emphasizing differences—in identifying fundamental values that exist beyond ideology or personal beliefs.
What value does liberty hold for you?
Share your thoughts below. Please include your name, age, and country of residence – this information will be helpful in the further development of this site. Your response, as well as the responses of others, will be added to the website, allowing everyone to explore different perspectives on freedom from various countries and age groups. Responses can be written in your native language. Together, we will create a space for deeper reflection on the value of freedom.
Voice of one of the respondents
Paulina, Poland, Age 23