The Trend I Would Erase: Surrendering Freedom

By: SodakArtist

If I could erase one trend from history, it would be the tendency of people to blindly surrender their freedom and personal responsibility to governments or other centralized authorities.

Many of our Founding Fathers fought a revolution because they believed people were born with certain unalienable rights—not rights granted by a government, but rights that exist simply because we are human. They envisioned a government that served the people, not one that the people existed to serve.

Over time, however, it seems that many have become comfortable allowing governments to make more and more decisions about nearly every aspect of life. Rather than questioning authority or remaining active participants in preserving liberty, many simply accept whatever policies or regulations are handed down. Freedom can slowly diminish not through a single dramatic event, but through generations becoming accustomed to trading liberty for convenience, security, or comfort.

To me, history shows that governments are healthiest when they are limited, transparent, and accountable to the people. The responsibility for protecting freedom doesn’t rest solely with elected officials—it rests with every citizen who is willing to think critically, stay informed, and defend the principles of individual liberty.

If I could erase one historical trend, it would be the gradual abandonment of self-governance in favor of dependence on centralized power. I believe society is strongest when individuals accept responsibility for themselves, their families, and their communities while holding those in positions of authority accountable.

Freedom is not something that can simply be inherited. It must be understood, valued, and protected by every generation. If we forget that lesson, we risk losing the very principles that so many before us sacrificed to preserve.

In the end, freedom is not something that is simply given—it is something that must be understood, protected, and exercised responsibly.

To preserve your liberty, you should educate yourself. Learn how governments communicate by studying their language and the documents they operate under. Read and seek to fully understand the Constitution, constitutional principles, statutes, codes, regulations, and court decisions that shape the legal system. At the same time, study the moral principles and values that guide your own beliefs, whether those come from faith, philosophy, or natural rights traditions.

Knowledge is one of the greatest tools a free people possess. The more you understand the systems that govern society, the better equipped you are to think critically, make informed decisions, and responsibly advocate for the freedoms you believe in.

As the saying goes, knowledge is power—but understanding is wisdom.