Mahatma Gandhi: 'Freedom is never dear at any price. It is the breath of life. What would a man not pay for living?'

Freedom is never dear at any price. It is the breath of life. What would a man not pay for living?

The quote by Mahatma Gandhi, "Freedom is never dear at any price. It is the breath of life. What would a man not pay for living?" holds profound meaning and emphasizes the significance of freedom in our lives. In its straightforward interpretation, this quote denotes that freedom is something invaluable and essential, as essential as the very breath we take to sustain our existence. It highlights that freedom is not a luxury that can be achieved at any cost, but rather an inherent right that must be cherished and protected.However, to truly delve into the depths of this quote and explore its philosophical implications, we can introduce the concept of existentialism. Existentialism is a philosophical approach that examines the individual's freedom, responsibility, and the significance of personal choices in shaping one's own existence. This philosophical framework allows us to compare and contrast Gandhi's quote with existentialist principles, thereby adding an unexpected and thought-provoking layer to the article.Existentialism emphasizes the belief that freedom is a fundamental aspect of human existence. According to existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche, freedom is not just an external condition, but also an internal state of mind. It is the ability to make choices and take responsibility for the consequences of those choices. Like Gandhi's quote, existentialism recognizes that freedom is not easily attained; it requires courage, sacrifice, and the willingness to confront the challenges that come with it.However, a key distinction between Gandhi's perspective and existentialism lies in the idea of freedom as an inherent right versus freedom as a subjective construct. Gandhi believed that freedom is an intrinsic part of being alive, while existentialism highlights that freedom is subjective and must be actively pursued and created by the individual. Existentialism argues that the process of exercising freedom is what gives life purpose and meaning.The distinctive philosophical lens of existentialism adds depth to Gandhi's quote. It prompts us to reflect on the choices we make and the extent to which we actively seek and value our freedom. It also invites us to contemplate the paradoxical nature of freedom—while it feels liberating, it also imposes responsibility and demands that we face the consequences of our actions.To illustrate this, let's consider the example of a prisoner who has been wrongfully incarcerated for years. The prisoner's longing for freedom is an overwhelming desire that cannot be measured in monetary terms. Their yearning for freedom goes beyond any price tag as it represents the breath of life itself. But once the prisoner is liberated, existentialism comes into play. They must then grapple with the newfound responsibilities and choices that their freedom presents. Freedom no longer remains a distant dream but becomes a tangible reality, with its own complexities and challenges.In conclusion, Mahatma Gandhi's quote about the value of freedom emphasizes its intrinsic and immeasurable worth. However, when explored through the lens of existentialism, it prompts us to think deeper about the nature and pursuit of freedom. It invites us to recognize that while freedom is indeed the breath of life, it also necessitates personal responsibility and a conscious effort to make choices that align with our values. By contemplating this unexpected philosophical concept, we gain a fresh perspective on the significance of freedom and what it truly means to live a life in pursuit of it.