Is there true freedom in today's world?

Can we be free from "entangling alliances?"

Is responsibility the opposite of freedom?

I was speaking to a fellow retired dentist and he stated he missed his old practice. He retired, but missed the relationships between himself and his patients. He longed for the old office camaraderie with his staff and the atmosphere of a successful and well-run practice.

I said, "Why don't you go back into dentistry? You are not too old and your health is good." He pondered my question for awhile and answered straightforwardly, "I love my freedom. I love the freedom of retirement." He continued gazing into space and said, "No appointments - No more being at a specific place at a specific time. Freedom to come and go as I please." He sounded as though he had convinced himself, but he then went off in a different direction.

"I have a wife and grown children and grandchildren. I find myself being a slave to other people's wishes and desires. I have to placate too many people around me. I love them but I have to sacrifice my freedom to bolster their lives. It sounds selfish but it really is not. They strip away my ease and I realize I must cater to my family and good friends.

Having responsibilities is the opposite of freedom! If you are worried about a grandson choosing bad friends, can you completely enjoy yourself on vacation? I think not.

Can a retired person just divorce themselves from a 30-year mortgage? No, it is a heavy responsibility!

A sick mother or father are cares that weigh heavily on people in later years. No, we owe them.

Janis Joplin sang "Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose!" in the song Bobby McGee. I am not 100 percent sure but I think it means if you are unattached and have no property or money you are on your way to complete freedom and independence. Something like a vagabond or a hermit. Not many people I know want to exist in that world.

Self-realization is very important. Don't set unattainable goals and enjoy the limited freedoms of life. True freedom is an illusion!

My opinion - No one is completely free!