What is Freedom?

What is freedom?

⏱️ Preparation: Approx. 2-3 hours

📖 Reading

Read one essay and three poems:

1. "What is Freedom?" by Hannah Arendt (from Between Past and Future) In this essay, Arendt delves into the concept of freedom as political action and collective engagement, challenging us to think beyond personal liberty and consider the role of public life in realizing true freedom. ~30 pages

2. "Freedom's Plow" by Langston Hughes A poetic journey through the history of freedom in America, emphasizing the power of collective effort in shaping a just and free society.  ~3 pages

3. "Democracy" by Langston Hughes A direct and urgent call to action, this poem asserts that freedom and democracy cannot be postponed—they must be achieved and experienced now.  ~1 page

4. "Harlem [Dream Deferred]" by Langston Hughes A haunting reflection on the consequences of delayed or denied freedom, asking what happens when aspirations for equality and justice are continually deferred. ~1 page

🤔 Enduring Questions: What Will We Talk About?

• What is the true nature of freedom?

• How do personal liberty and political freedom intersect?

• What happens when freedom is delayed or denied?

• What role does collective action play in achieving and maintaining freedom?

Description

In this Speakeasy session, we’ll explore the dynamic relationship between freedom, action, and responsibility in a democratic society. Drawing from Hannah Arendt’s profound essay "What is Freedom?" and three powerful poems by Langston Hughes—"Freedom's Plow," "Democracy," and "Harlem [Dream Deferred]"—we’ll examine how personal and collective freedom is realized, sustained, and at times, delayed.

Hannah Arendt argues that freedom is not simply the absence of constraint, but the ability to take action in the public sphere, to participate in a collective life that fosters political engagement. Langston Hughes, through his vivid poetry, captures the struggle for racial equality and the collective yearning for a freer, more just society. Together, these works ask us to reflect on what it means to be free and what responsibilities come with that freedom, particularly in a world where not everyone experiences it equally. Join us for a deep and thought-provoking discussion on the meaning of freedom, inspired by Arendt’s philosophical inquiry and Hughes’ poetic reflections on the fight for equality. Together, we’ll unpack what freedom truly means and what it demands from us, both individually and collectively.

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