Introduction
Being free can be interpreted in many ways. On the one hand, it implies the presence of rights. On the other hand, it is a state of mind.
Freedom is closely tied to knowledge as well as the ways in which it is used. One’s knowledge can be applied to strive for personal and community freedom. Furthermore, freedom is a state of mind, as those fighting for it often face persecution. However, as being free is a mindset, such people change the world through their knowledge without being limited by constraints.
Martin Luther King’s Perspective on Freedom
“Letter From Birmingham Jail” exemplifies how knowledge and freedom go hand-in-hand. The letter written by Martin Luther King inspires people to fight for their rights. The way in which the information is conveyed correlates with the writer’s knowledge of human nature. Specifically, phrases such as “the urge for freedom will eventually come” are inspirational (King, 1963). Hence, knowledge becomes the power to motivate people to fight for freedom. In this case, it implies equality of rights. However, freedom can have many connotations.
Malala Yousafzai’s Vision of Freedom
“Speech at the United Nations” is Malala Yousafzai’s aim to bring awareness towards gender inequality. In this case, freedom of opportunity for education is at stake. The speaker states that “those without a voice can be heard” through her manifesto (Yousafzai, 2014). The speech is addressed to the international community. Hence, it is not a motivation to fight for liberty. Instead, it promotes knowledge on the subject of gender inequality. As a result, knowledge becomes power when it is a tool used to fight evil.
Comparison of Viewpoints
The two sources share similarities yet are different. The difference is the context of freedom and its power. In the first case, it is a necessary measure that people have to take into their own hands. In the second case, it is more abstract and knowledge-driven. Nonetheless, both examples highlight that freedom starts with rights. Equality is the main power in both speeches. Hence, providing people with knowledge on equality is the power that can defend against unfairness.
Conclusion
Freedom takes a variety of forms. It can inspire action, or it can be informational. Nonetheless, freedom is inspired by knowledge. Knowledge, on the other hand, generates power, which can be used to fight injustice. Despite the multiple contexts of freedom, it is the ultimate goal and can only be achieved through knowledge-driven motivation.
References
King, M. L. (1963). Letter from Birmingham Jail.
Yousafzai, M. (2014). Malala Yousafzai’s Speech at the United Nations. United Nations.