"فقط إيماننا الفردي بالحرية يمكن أن يبقينا أحرارًا"

Freedom is something we often take for granted, but it's actually pretty fragile. At its core, the idea here is that the concept of freedom is not just some abstract principle that exists on its own—it's something that relies on each of us personally valuing and believing in it. In other words, freedom isn't just a given; it needs us to have faith in it to remain alive and well.

Historically, this sentiment rings especially true. Think back to the times of revolution or civil rights movements. When people stop believing in freedom—when they stop valuing it—it can easily be lost. Take, for example, the American Revolution. The colonists had to truly believe in the idea of freedom to fight for it against the British. Their collective faith in the idea of being free was what ultimately created the United States.

Now, imagine a more modern scenario. Picture a country where the government starts to slowly restrict freedoms under the guise of security or stability. If the citizens of that country don’t really value their freedom, if they don't have that internal belief in its importance, they might just accept these changes. Over time, their freedoms are eroded little by little until one day they wake up and realize they aren't free at all. This isn't just a hypothetical. We've seen it happen in various places around the world. It's a gradual process, often so slow that people don't even realize it until it's too late.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in a practical sense? Start by educating yourself about your rights and freedoms. Be wary of any attempts to undermine them, no matter how small they might seem. Speak up when you see something that threatens your freedom—or the freedom of others. Encourage those around you to do the same. It’s a collective effort, but it starts with your individual belief in the importance of staying free.

Let’s bring this idea home with a story. Imagine you're in a small town where a new law is passed requiring all public gatherings to have a permit. At first, it seems like a minor inconvenience, just a bit of paperwork. But then, the permits become harder to get, and certain types of gatherings are denied permits altogether. Maybe a group that wants to protest a local issue can't get a permit. If the townspeople shrug and accept this, their freedom to assemble is effectively gone. Now, imagine instead that the citizens of the town value their freedom deeply. When the first law is passed, they question it. They attend town meetings, they write to their representatives, they organize, and they push back. Their individual and collective faith in the principle of freedom keeps that freedom intact.

In the end, it's up to each of us to hold onto the belief that freedom is worth fighting for. It’s a responsibility, sure, but it's also an empowering one. By nurturing that belief in ourselves and encouraging it in others, we help ensure that freedom remains a cornerstone of our society. And remember, it doesn't take grand gestures—sometimes it's the little things, like staying informed and speaking out, that make the biggest difference. So, next time you think about your freedom, think about what it means to you and what you're willing to do to keep it. You might just find that your individual faith is the key to keeping us all free.