rich1.0Rune Østgård (npub1sv…tsrw4)https://yabu.me/npub1sv4zk080fvt4f3982u5kffzdkex3nm0kylky29um2xws5h4wsxvswtsrw4njumphttps://yabu.meI asked Grok about "original meaning of the word freedom" Answer "The word "freedom" has its roots in Old English, Germanic, and Indo-European languages, and its original meanings have evolved over time but generally revolve around the concept of not being under the control or power of another. Here's a breakdown: Old English: The term "freedom" comes from the Old English word "frēodōm," which is derived from "frēo" (free) and "-dōm" (state or condition of being). In this context, "frēodōm" meant the state of being free, particularly from slavery or oppression. Proto-Germanic: Before Old English, the word can be traced back to Proto-Germanic "*frijaz," which meant "beloved" or "free," suggesting a connection between being loved or valued and being free. Indo-European: Further back, the Proto-Indo-European root "*priyos" might have meant "dear, beloved," indicating an early association of freedom with being cherished or not enslaved. Historically, the concept of freedom has often been tied to: Personal Liberty: The ability to act or change without constraint. Political Freedom: The right to participate in the political process, have a say in governance, or live in a state without oppressive rule. Economic Freedom: The freedom to produce, trade, and consume without undue restrictions. Freedom from Slavery or Serfdom: Not being owned or bound to serve another individual or entity. The original essence of "freedom" thus encapsulates the idea of autonomy, self-determination, and the absence of subjugation, reflecting both personal and societal dimensions. Over centuries, this concept has expanded and deepened, influencing legal, philosophical, and political thought across cultures." Today, for many freedom means "access to resources." They don't care that scarce resources cost something, they just need them and feel they aren't "free" if they don't get them. And when someone else must pay the cost, typically as taxes, then person A's "freedom" equals person B's "enslavement," rendering the word freedom completely without meaning.