Edwin Arnold: 'Within yourself deliverance must be searched for, because each man makes his own prison.'

Within yourself deliverance must be searched for, because each man makes his own prison.

Within yourself deliverance must be searched for, because each man makes his own prison.' These profound words by Edwin Arnold encapsulate a timeless truth about the human experience. Essentially, the quote suggests that the power to find freedom lies within us, and it is our own actions, thoughts, and choices that often create the metaphorical prisons that confine us. On the surface, it is a straightforward reminder of personal responsibility and the need to take ownership of our lives. However, delving deeper into this concept, we can explore the fascinating philosophy of existentialism, which sheds further light on the interconnectedness of our choices and the prisons we construct.Existentialism, a philosophical movement that gained popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries, places great emphasis on individual freedom, personal responsibility, and the search for meaning in a seemingly absurd world. According to existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche, each person has the ability to shape their own reality through decision-making and taking responsibility for their actions. This perspective aligns closely with Edwin Arnold's quote, as it asserts that our deliverance or liberation must come from within ourselves.In the existentialist view, our lives are the result of choices we make, and our prisons are the consequences of those choices. These prisons are not tangible physical structures, but rather psychological and emotional constructs that hold us captive. They may manifest as self-doubt, fear, regret, or any other negative emotions that hinder our growth and fulfillment. Existentialism challenges us to recognize the role we play in constructing these prisons and encourages us to dismantle them through self-reflection, self-awareness, and conscious decision-making.Comparing the quote by Edwin Arnold to the existentialist philosophy, we see a parallel between the idea that each person makes their own prison and the existentialist belief in personal responsibility. Both concepts highlight the agency we have in shaping our lives and the need to examine our choices to understand the reasons behind our emotional and psychological confinement.However, it is important to note that while Edwin Arnold's quote emphasizes personal responsibility, existentialism takes it a step further by exploring the complexities of freedom and choice. Existentialists acknowledge that external factors can limit our options and influence our decisions to some extent. Yet, they maintain that our response to these limitations matters more than the limitations themselves. In other words, even when faced with adverse circumstances, we still have the ability to choose our attitude and approach. Therefore, our deliverance is not solely contingent on external factors but primarily reliant on our internal mindset and response.By understanding and embracing this philosophy, we begin to realize our potential to break free from self-imposed prisons. This realization offers an empowering perspective on our capacity to create a more fulfilling and liberated existence. Instead of resigning ourselves to the limitations we perceive, we can actively challenge and question them. We can develop self-awareness, examine our motives and beliefs, and consciously make choices that align with our values and aspirations.In conclusion, Edwin Arnold's quote, "Within yourself deliverance must be searched for, because each man makes his own prison," serves as a reminder of our individual agency and the power we hold to craft our own freedom or entrapment. When viewed through the lens of existentialism, this statement takes on a richer meaning, highlighting the connection between our choices and the prisons we find ourselves in. By embracing this philosophy, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery, breaking free from self-imposed limitations and striving for a life that is truly our own.