In a world that is becoming increasingly complex and globalized, we are constantly confronted with the question of what principles we should live by. What is the goal we should strive for? What gives life meaning? These questions are as old as humanity itself, but they are more relevant than ever today. Modern individuals face endless choices, which bring both freedom and responsibility—the responsibility to shape their own lives. And within this freedom lies the key to a meaningful and fulfilled existence. I will explain why personal freedom, responsibility, and the pursuit of sustainable happiness are the most crucial principles that modern people should base their lives upon.
Freedom as the Foundation of Life
The cornerstone of a fulfilled existence is freedom. Without freedom, any pursuit of meaning is hollow, because only in freedom can individuals shape their own identities and pursue their goals. This freedom doesn’t just mean the absence of external constraints; it also means the inner freedom to act authentically and take responsibility for one’s life.
The idea that the state or an institution knows better what is good for us robs us of the opportunity for self-realization. There is only one path to a truly meaningful life: to autonomously decide how we spend our time and energy. This freedom also means accepting the consequences of our actions, but this is where true fulfillment lies. Taking responsibility gives weight to our actions. Every step we take, every decision we make, matters because it’s our decision.
Some may argue that too much freedom could lead to chaos or inequality. But in truth, freedom is the only principle that creates fair opportunities for everyone. In a free society, there may be differences in outcomes, but every person has the opportunity to achieve something through their abilities and efforts. The attempts to force equality through coercion, as undertaken in communist regimes, have failed miserably. Freedom, on the other hand, leads to equality of opportunity and enables everyone to make the best of their lives.
Happiness and Self-Realization
But what should we do with this freedom? Human beings naturally strive for happiness. However, happiness isn’t just about the quick gratification of needs, as superficial consumerism suggests. True happiness arises from self-realization, from developing one’s potential and pursuing goals that have deeper meaning.
This is where modern hedonism comes to the forefront—not as a philosophy of unrestrained pleasure, but as an approach that focuses on sustainable well-being. It’s about leading a life that brings joy, but this joy aligns with personal development and long-term life goals. When we focus on the things that truly fulfill us, such as meaningful work, deep interpersonal relationships, and personal growth, we find a deeper happiness that goes far beyond fleeting consumption.
Many people believe that the state or the collective should ensure individual happiness. But the true source of happiness can never come from outside. Happiness arises from within, from the freedom to shape one’s own life. Modern individuals should therefore not rely on state measures or collective guidelines but become aware of their own responsibility for their well-being.
The Role of Community
However, freedom does not mean isolation. Human beings are social creatures, and living in community brings deep fulfillment. But this community should be based on voluntarism. In a free society, people voluntarily come together to achieve common goals or help others because they want to—not because they are forced to.
When we give people the freedom to act voluntarily, their generous and cooperative nature often shines through. Many are willing to donate to charitable causes, support education, or contribute to social institutions because it comes from their own initiative and is not enforced. This voluntary help is not only morally superior to state-enforced redistribution; it is also more efficient. People know better where their help is needed and are more willing to give when they feel their support is not being exploited.
One counterargument might be that not everyone would receive help, or that too many people could fall through the cracks. But even here, a free society regulates itself better. Those who abusively rely on assistance will lose support, and this creates a natural incentive to actively engage in society. At the same time, private initiatives and networks arise that are willing to help those who genuinely need support. It is a mistake to believe that only the state can provide social security—true solidarity emerges where it is based on voluntarism.
Responsibility and Life’s Meaning
A fulfilled life is also based on the principle of personal responsibility. In a free society, every individual has the duty to secure their well-being, whether through work, savings, or private insurance. The notion that the state is responsible for individual welfare weakens the sense of personal responsibility and turns us into dependent subjects.
This is not about a heartless system where the weaker are left behind. Rather, it is about maintaining the incentive to be responsible for one’s own life, which in the long run leads to a healthier society. A system that only provides minimal safety nets, such as emergency shelters or soup kitchens, preserves the human incentive to create a better life situation through one’s own efforts. This is not cruel, but realistic and fair. For unforeseen misfortunes such as an accident or a sick family member, everyone should take care to insure themselves in time through private insurance—here, too, responsibility and independence arise.
Critics might argue that some people are overwhelmed by this level of personal responsibility or could fall through the cracks. But in a free society, people have the choice to secure themselves, and they are encouraged to organize and support one another. Through voluntary cooperation and the pressure to take care of oneself, a society emerges where everyone has the opportunity to improve their life. The incentive to do so is crucial. If the safety net is too wide, this incentive disappears, leading to long-term dependence.
The Bigger Picture: Balancing Freedom and Community
In a free society, there is room for different lifestyles and viewpoints. There will be people who are more generous with their help and others who focus more on personal responsibility. The key is that everyone has the freedom to choose their own path and that no one is forced into actions they do not support. Such a society is more diverse, just, and ultimately more stable because it is based on the principle of voluntarism.
The goal of a modern person’s life should therefore be to realize oneself in freedom, to strive for sustainable and long-term happiness, and to be aware of one’s responsibility for their own life. By combining personal freedom with voluntary community, every individual can lead a meaningful and fulfilling life. A society built on these principles is more just because it places the individual at the center and gives them the freedom to pursue their own goals—without coercion, but with the moral responsibility to help others when it is necessary.
This is the kind of society where true freedom, happiness, and justice go hand in hand.