Freedom vs Independence

Yesterday I wrote about financial freedom and tomorrow is Independence Day here in the US. And I started thinking about what exactly those words mean. They seem like they're similar yet different, so today we're going to look at the definitions of those two words and see if we can find the similarites and differences.

According to www.dictionary.com:

freedom

[free-duh m] 

 

• Synonyms 
• Examples 
• Word Origin 

noun

1.

the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint:

He won his freedom after a retrial.

2.

exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc.

3.

the power to determine action without restraint.

4.

political or national independence.

independence

[in-di-pen-duh ns] 

 

• Synonyms 
• Examples 
• Word Origin 

noun

1.

Also, independency. the state or quality of being independent. 

2.

freedom from the control, influence, support, aid, or the like, of others.

independent

[in-di-pen-duh nt] 

 

• Examples 
• Word Origin 

adjective

1.

not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion, conduct, etc.; thinking or acting for oneself:

an independent thinker.

2.

not subject to another's authority or jurisdiction; autonomous; free:

an independent businessman.

3.

not influenced by the thought or action of others:

independent research.

4.

not dependent; not depending or contingent upon something else for existence, operation, etc.

5.

not relying on another or others for aid or support.

I think for financial freedom,, definition number 3 may be the best: the power to determine action without restraint ...the power to determine how you want to live your life without the restraint of having to work for a living. And for our country's independence, I believe definitions 2 & 4 of the word independent apply, Although in our personal lives they may all apply. I'm sure there are subtle differences, but to me they sound a lot alike.

Interesting days

Today - https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/disobedience-day/ We may not want to disobey any laws, but maybe social rules or even those self-imposed rules known as your routine. It's also https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/stay-out-of-the-sun-day/ I may end up obeying this one after all. I slept in until 4:00 PM and it's now after 5:00 and I haven't been outside yet. Although my landlords are breaking it by being on the patio. Long live civil disobedience! And it's https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/international-plastic-bag-free-day/ Take your own bags to the store today.  https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/compliment-your-mirror-day/ Be nice to the person you see there

Tomorrow - US Independence Day, of course! It's also https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/independence-from-meat-day/ I'm pretty sure I won't be celebrating this, but I may have some salad. Go to your nearby park and build a scarecrow

Next Friday - https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/dont-step-on-a-bee-day/ It's bad for the bee and it's bad for you if you're barefoot. It's also https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/teddy-bear-picnic-day/ I think Ben's ready for a picnic. But Ben doesn't want to celebrate https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/pina-colada-day/

August 3 - https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/watermelon-day/