"他人に自由を否定する者は、自分自身もそれを受けるに値しない。"

Denying freedom to others is essentially saying that you don’t deserve it yourself. Abraham Lincoln, who guided the United States through its Civil War and fought to end slavery, said this during a time when the nation was deeply divided over the issue of human freedom. He was making a profound statement about justice and morality, emphasizing that true liberty cannot coexist with oppression.

Imagine this: You’re part of a community where there’s a decree that some people don’t get to make their own choices. Maybe it’s about who they marry, where they work, or even what they say. It’s unjust and it’s wrong, and Lincoln’s words hammer that point home hard. If you’re willing to strip others of their basic rights, you’re openly admitting you don’t value freedom—period.

So let’s take a real-life example to flesh this out. Think back to the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. African Americans were fighting for the right to vote, to sit at any lunch counter, to go to desegregated schools. Think about someone like Rosa Parks. When she refused to give up her seat on that Montgomery bus, she wasn’t just standing up for her own rights—she was upholding the principle that everyone deserves freedom. The people who were fighting to keep segregation in place were ultimately fighting against their own interests. Because if you deny freedom to some, you set a precedent that freedom can be taken away, and who’s to say you won’t be next?

How do we take Lincoln’s wisdom and apply it today? It’s simple but requires intention. First, recognize your own biases and challenge them. This means actively listening to marginalized voices and stepping back to see how your actions (or inactions) might be denying someone else their freedom. Second, advocate for the rights of others, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. Join movements, vote for policies that promote equality, and speak out against injustices you witness.

Alright, let’s make it even more relatable. Picture a workplace setting. There’s a manager who micromanages their team, controlling every minor detail of their workday. They don’t allow their employees to think for themselves or make decisions. Over time, this stifles creativity, kills morale, and leads to an unproductive, unhappy team. The manager is denying them the freedom to use their judgment and talents—and guess what? This lack of freedom will likely circle back and impact the manager negatively too. Innovation will dry up, and the team’s overall performance will tank, which eventually affects the manager’s success. This situation shows that when you clamp down on others' freedom, you’re digging a pit for yourself too.

So, take Lincoln's words to heart. Embrace the idea that freedom is a universal right. Next time you’re faced with a decision that impacts others, ask yourself: am I giving them the same respect and autonomy I’d want for myself? If the answer is no, it’s time to rethink your approach. Live by this principle, and you not only ensure justice for others but also safeguard your own liberty.