Embracing Inner Freedom: The Art of Self-Realization

Each of us strives to attain genuine freedom that goes beyond external circumstances and superficial impulses, opening a path to profound self-knowledge and creative self-expression. In this pursuit, the individual is never merely a part of society but represents a unique inner “self” imbued with spiritual strength, capable of resisting any form of pressure.

At the heart of true freedom lies the ability to control one’s natural impulses, channeling them into a creative stream. This requires not only an awareness of and acceptance of one’s own autonomy but also continuous self-improvement, where creative energy becomes a tool for transforming lower impulses into higher moral values. This process is akin to two sides of the same coin, with self-discipline and ethical direction serving as the foundation for self-realization.

However, the path to inner freedom is not without struggle—with one’s own limitations, ingrained habits, and ancient taboos imposed by society. Only persistent self-work can overcome these barriers, opening the door to a new level of consciousness where choices are truly deliberate and creativity becomes an integral part of life.

In conclusion, it is worth noting: true freedom is, first and foremost, a continuous process of inner growth that requires love, perseverance, and focused self-work. Such a choice leads to a life filled with richness and meaning, allowing the individual not merely to be a participant but to become the creator of their own destiny.

What criteria define a person’s inner freedom, and what must be done to achieve it?

Inner freedom is defined by the ability to consciously and creatively manage one’s own essence, remaining independent of both external circumstances and one’s natural impulses. The following aspects outline its key criteria:

1. The individual is seen as organically integrated into society, yet their intimate inner essence, self-awareness, and moral self-expression are not subject to the mechanical pressure of external circumstances. As stated:
"Secondly, personalism understands society not as an impersonal collective or merely the mechanical sum of persons, but as a sort of organic whole... The inner, intimate essence of the individual, their self-awareness with the ensuing moral and creative acts, cannot in any case be viewed as a part of society. The relationship between the individual and society is not an external relation of mutual limitation, but an internal relation of complementarity."
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2. An important criterion is the ability to exercise self-discipline and control over one’s impulses. The individual must master their natural feelings and desires through voluntary restraint, thereby gaining power over their emotions and directing them into a creative channel:
"Self-control of the individual manifests in two interrelated aspects of their being—the natural and the existential—and presupposes the implementation of two formative principles—the ascetic and the ethical... The power of the personal 'self' over feelings and desires is a crucial aspect of human self-realization."
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3. The essence of inner freedom is also shown in the individual’s ability to resist not only external pressures but also their own lower impulses, channeling them into creative and moral endeavors:
"The individual is capable of opposing not only the external world but also their own impulses. The individual is not exhausted by the sum of their inherent impulses... there is an elusive 'plus'—the human 'self', capable of directing its impulses."
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To achieve such inner freedom, one must purposefully work on oneself and channel creative energy in the following ways:

1. Recognize and accept one’s inner autonomy, understanding that true freedom is not determined by external circumstances or mechanical subjugation, but is the result of internal choice and self-realization.
"True freedom reveals itself not when one is forced to choose, but when one has made a choice."
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2. Engage in ongoing self-transformation through a dual sublimation: the transformation of lower impulses (such as selfishness) alongside the development of a conscious personal freedom that can harness creative energy for higher moral values.
"True sublimation must be dual: sublimation of lower impulses such as egoism, Eros, etc., on the one hand, and sublimation of the very 'self', the sublimation of the most conscious freedom of the individual—on the other."
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3. Undergo an internal struggle with aspects of one’s nature that might otherwise lead to a form of inner slavery, thus overcoming personal barriers:
"Ancient taboos surround the individual from all sides, binding their moral life. And in order to free oneself from their power, one must first recognize oneself as internally free and only then fight externally for freedom. The internal victory over slavery is the primary task of moral life..."
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4. Finally, achieving inner freedom requires a continuous creative quest and a love for freedom, which must become an intrinsic value for the individual:
"Freedom is most directly expressed through creativity. And every creator, from personal experience, knows how excruciating the process of realizing creativity can be."
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and also
"Freedom must be loved, according to Beethoven’s directive, 'more than life'."
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Thus, inner freedom is founded on profound self-knowledge, continuous moral and creative self-determination, and the ability to master one’s natural impulses—transforming them into a force for higher, morally enriched self-expression.

Supporting citation(s):
"Secondly, personalism understands society not as an impersonal collective or merely the mechanical sum of persons,... The relationship between the individual and society is not an external relation of mutual limitation, but an internal relation of complementarity." (source: link )
"Self-control of the individual manifests in two interrelated aspects of their being—the natural and the existential—and presupposes the implementation of two formative principles—the ascetic and the ethical... The power of the personal 'self' over feelings and desires is a crucial aspect of human self-realization." (source: link )
"The individual is capable of opposing not only the external world but also their own impulses. The individual is not exhausted by the sum of their inherent impulses... there is an elusive 'plus'—the human 'self', capable of directing its impulses." (source: link )
"True freedom reveals itself not when one is forced to choose, but when one has made a choice." (source: link )
"True sublimation must be dual: sublimation of lower impulses such as egoism, Eros, etc., on the one hand, and sublimation of the very 'self', the sublimation of the most conscious freedom of the individual—on the other." (source: link )
"Ancient taboos surround the individual from all sides, binding their moral life. ... The internal victory over slavery is the primary task of moral life." (source: link )
"Freedom is most directly expressed through creativity. And every creator, from personal experience, knows how excruciating the process of realizing creativity can be." (source: link )
"Freedom must be loved, according to Beethoven’s directive, 'more than life'." (source: link )