How should we go about using our freedoms to make the world a better place?
What is functionally possible within a system of production and distribution?
Let's examine this logically. First, we must choose to reduce the amount of unnecessary suffering. Next, we must focus less on the acquisition of wealth, and more on the development and dissemination of technology. Another is to focus on making sure that people are fed and have access to clean water, which are resources that we can collectively produce and thus have the ability to affect.
Most importantly we must make sure that people are not exploited by their fellows. however, exploitation is the means through which the greater part of the world's population lives. It is through extortion and the control of scarce natural resources that people continue to be held in bondage. exploitation is a process through which some people make their living, and thus it is an inherent part of their identity and their very being. In order to truly stop exploitation, we would have to undermine the foundation upon which their lives depend.
Ultimately, we may have to choose between a flawed system in which we are all rewarded for our labors but in which a few are exceedingly wealthy and others go without the things that they need, and a system in which we are all given the basic necessities but are free to choose how we wish to live and thus can pursue other goals. The former is certainly appealing to the people already benefiting; the latter, while perhaps appealing in principle, is likely to be impractical. It is not an ideal world that we live in.
So, then, which approach do you value more, the freedom of the individual or the pursuit of the greater good?
If people had more freedom, would they be more moral?'
As long as people are willing to work and to produce, they should be rewarded, but not at the cost of other people's well being. Wealth should be used as a tool to improve people's lives, not to line one's pockets with excess.
What are the potential drawbacks to having more freedom for everyone?
The only way that an increase in freedom would be unequivocally beneficial would be if it reduced the amount of suffering in the world.
**photo a screencap from the french movie Diva.