Question

Who, according to Mandela, is not free?

Hint:

When interpreting philosophical statements, it is important to understand the broader context in which they were made. Mandela’s concept of freedom is rooted in his lifelong fight against apartheid and his dedication to justice and equality for all.

Answer 1

In his autobiography "Long Walk to Freedom", Nelson Mandela articulates his vision of freedom in a deeply philosophical and political way. According to Mandela, freedom is not merely an individual experience, but a collective one. In his view, those who live under systems of oppression, like apartheid, are not truly free, regardless of their own personal circumstances. Mandela, who himself was imprisoned for 27 years as a result of his anti-apartheid activism, reflects on how true freedom is intrinsically linked to equality and justice. He argues that one cannot be considered free while others remain oppressed.
Mandela writes that true freedom exists only when all people are liberated from the shackles of injustice and inequality. He highlights the fact that people who are oppressed, whether they are the victims of racial discrimination, political repression, or economic inequality, live in a state of constant fear and insecurity. For Mandela, freedom is not just the ability to act without external restriction, but also the capacity to live with dignity and respect. He emphasizes that as long as any person or group is deprived of their basic human rights, no one can truly be free.
Mandela’s definition of freedom transcends personal liberty. He speaks of freedom as something that must be shared by all, emphasizing the importance of justice, equality, and the dismantling of oppressive systems. In this sense, according to Mandela, no one in a society where injustice prevails, where people are denied their rights and freedoms, can claim to be truly free. His vision is one of solidarity, where freedom is not the privilege of a few, but the right of all people, regardless of their race, background, or status.
Mandela’s view of freedom also speaks to the broader theme of interconnectedness. He underscores the idea that the freedom of one is inseparable from the freedom of all, and it is only through collective action and solidarity that true freedom can be achieved. His perspective was shaped by his own experiences in prison, where he realized that individual freedom means nothing if it does not extend to everyone.