Slave to yourself

Here's the paradox: if I have self-control, part of me becomes a slave.

Where can we be free in self-control? It's possible? We all seek freedom, even down paths that lead to enslavement. For a long time we learned that we must dominate ourselves. But what does that mean, exactly? We accept beliefs without questioning their value or consequences.

Here's the paradox: if I have self-control, part of me becomes a slave.

In a "Master-Slave" relationship, both gain freedom when they stop seeking the other's applause. Thus, the master gives up exercising power over others and the slave abandons his role as victim.

Even more surprising, we blame life when we are trapped by ourselves. Self-knowledge is not about self-mastery. It's about accepting and recognizing values and weaknesses. It's allowing yourself to live without fear of expressing your feelings. It's about being authentic. Thus, we stop desiring recognition to receive it in due time with a certain unpretentiousness.

In the end, what we really want is the freedom to be who we are.

Gratitude.

Anderson Cruz.

Writer, therapist and graduate student in philosophy.