Maciek, Poland, Age 16
Freedom is one of the most important values, but only when it is understood by reasonable people. It is beautiful, yet dangerous when experienced by those who are unable to use it responsibly. For everyone, freedom can mean something different, as its meaning is subjective and depends on individual experiences. For some, freedom is the ability to choose and decide their own fate, for others, it is the chance to fulfill their dreams and pursue happiness. Freedom can manifest in various aspects of life – in travel, which gives us the opportunity to discover new cultures and perspectives, in the way we organize our free time, allowing for rest and self-development, or in making decisions about our future, which shape our life path. However, for freedom to be truly valuable, it must be both conscious and responsible, as without that it can lead to chaos and misunderstandings. Freedom is not only the right to choose, but also the awareness of the consequences of one’s actions.