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    in the shadow of the cherry blossom
    complete strangers
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          Issa
 
On Liberty PDF Print E-mail

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1903 - 1987

"Liberty is not our more or less illusory participation in absolute sovereignty of the social whole over the parts; it is rather, the direct, immediate, and concrete sovereignty of man over himself, the thing which allows and compels him to unfold his personality, gives him mastery over and responsibility for his destiny, and makes him accountable for his acts both to his neighbor, dowered with equal right claiming his respect -- this is where justice comes in -- and to God, whose purpose he either fullfils or flouts."

Bertrand de Jouvenel, French Philosopher

Shihan Henderson's Comment:

Bertrand de Jouvenel is a master writer and as the quote above shows he is able to cut to the essential element of what it means to have liberty. Through the ages the word liberty has meant many things to many people however the quote above speaks to the immutable nature of liberty that trancends cultures and time.

If you wish to have true liberty in your life you must find a tool that will enable you to unfold your personality and have sovereignty over yourself. As we have spoken in the past this means personal control over your emotions and actions. For the martial artist, being accountable to your neighbors and fullfilling your destiny means learning the lessons of Budo and putting them into play in your life on a daily basis. If you can do this and the calling is in your heart then you will find true liberty.
 
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