Elzbieta, Poland, Age 47
I ask for so little
I desire so little
I’ve seen so little
I will see so little
I think so little
I matter so little
I’ve heard so little
I can do so little
But I love and understand freedom
And I don’t know how to give it away
I love and understand freedom
And I don’t know how to give it away
I had so little
I have so little
I can lose everything
I can be left alone
But I love and understand freedom
And I don’t know how to give it away
I love and understand freedom
Freedom
I love and understand freedom
And I don’t know how to give it away
I love and understand freedom
And I don’t know how to give it away
When I began reflecting on what freedom means to me, the words of a song from the past immediately came to mind. This song was written in 1990, at a time when Poland was undergoing significant political and systemic changes. And yet, its message remains relevant even today – in our so-called democratic reality.
Freedom is still a scarce commodity in today’s world. The fear of survival, excessive expectations, increasing competition in the job market, and a life clouded by anxiety – often amplified by the media – make people afraid to be truly free.
But freedom is simple: it’s taking responsibility for your actions and having the courage to speak the truth — realizing that what you do for others, you ultimately do for yourself.
Thus, freedom means not agreeing to double standards or injustice. It means allowing yourself to speak your inner truth out loud, even if it’s uncomfortable for those who appear to have power over you. It is trusting yourself and believing that this kind of attitude has meaning — even when conformism seems tempting, especially if you’re currently in a privileged position.
Freedom is about creating space where there is room for dialogue, for real connection with another person, without needing to wear a mask or deny your feelings out of fear of being ridiculed or criticized.
Freedom is accepting yourself as you are and acting based on your talents — for the good of humanity, animals, and the entire planet.