What if schools taught the essential difference between the definitions of "liberty" and "freedom"?

For thoughts on this distinction, consider "The Nation: Freedom vs. Liberty; Just Another Word for Nothing Left to Lose."

"...liberty implies a system of rules, a 'network of restraint and order,' hence the word's close association with political life. Freedom has a more general meaning, which ranges from an opposition to slavery to the absence of psychological or personal encumbrances (no one would describe liberty as another word for nothing left to lose)."

Over 20 years ago, my best college teacher, Frank Ambrosio, parsed liberty and freedom for me and my classmates. On this Independence Day, in 2018, it feels as urgent a distinction as ever.

Happy Fourth of July from the Basecamp team.

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Each Wednesday we share a "what if" scenario. These are not suggestions as much as provocations.

If you have a "what if" scenario you would like to share, just send an email (and indicate whether you would like it attributed it to you).

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