The Question of Freedom
Is the freedom we hold just an illusion if we can’t question those in our ideological corner?
Spring arrives, not with fanfare, but with a subtle stirring. It's as if nature takes a deep breath, exhaling life into the world. There's a tangible sense of awakening, of renewal, as the landscape transforms from the muted tones of winter to the vibrant hues of spring. It's a season I've always held dear, not just for its beauty and the permission it gives me to drink iced coffee again, but for the profound feeling of freedom it brings.
As a Jew, I have the privilege of celebrating the holiday of Passover, or Pesach. It's a holiday steeped in tradition, rich in symbolism, and brimming with opportunities for introspection.
At the heart of the Pesach celebration is the Seder, and aside from the story of the Exodus which we recount through songs, stories, and rituals, a central feature of the Seder is the idea of questioning.
Questions are woven into the very fabric of the Seder experience. Everyone is encouraged to ask from the youngest child to the oldest adult. The maggid portion of the Seder begins with the Four Questions, known as the Ma Nishtana, which the youngest participant usually recites.
A friend of mine shared that the ability to question is itself a sign of freedom. A slave does as they are told without protest, while a free person can inquire and seek understanding.
In a world where every idea is subject to scrutiny and no belief is beyond interrogation, we might be tempted to believe that we have already attained true freedom. But have we, in truth, liberated ourselves entirely? While we may confidently question those with whom we fundamentally disagree, can we extend that same liberty to questioning our ideological allies? Are we willing to subject our own convictions and assumptions to rigorous examination? And if not, are we truly free?
In The Filter Bubble: What the Internet is Hiding From You, Eli Pariser highlights the dangers of living in a world where our online experiences are curated and personalized based on our past behavior and preferences. While convenient, it reinforces our pre-existing beliefs and limits our exposure to alternative viewpoints. In doing so, it undermines the very foundation of intellectual freedom.
The filter bubble tends to dramatically amplify confirmation bias—in a way, it’s designed to. Consuming information that conforms to our ideas of the world is easy and pleasurable; consuming information that challenges us to think in new ways or question our assumptions is frustrating and difficult. This is why partisans of one political stripe tend not to consume the media of another. As a result, an information environment built on click signals will favor content that supports our existing notions about the world over content that challenges them.
As he so very eloquently sums it up:
A world constructed from the familiar is the world in which there's nothing to learn.
Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt also address this issue in The Coddling of the American Mind. They argue that the rise of what they call "safetyism" on college campuses, where emotional safety is prioritized over intellectual challenge, has led to a culture of censorship and ideological conformity. By shielding ourselves from uncomfortable ideas and difficult conversations, we not only stifle intellectual inquiry but also deprive ourselves of the opportunity for growth and learning. But as they say:
Education should not be intended to make people comfortable; it is meant to make them think.
In the pursuit of truth, questions act as shovels, helping curious minds dig into the intellectual terrain. The fear of questioning and of being questioned stems from a lack of freedom. True freedom allows one to admit being wrong without shattering their sense of self-worth, to question even those closest to them without fear, and to pursue uncomfortable truths.
As Dumbledore says in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone:
It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends.
The Seder teaches us that questioning is not just OK, it’s encouraged. Even the Wicked Son, who denies the existence of God is welcome at the table. (OK, maybe not exactly welcome, since we “knock out his teeth,” but nowhere does it say that we invite him to leave.) And for those who “Don’t know how to ask,” we answer their unspoken questions all the same.
By embracing the spirit of Pesach, the spirit of questioning, we embrace true freedom: the freedom to question our beliefs, engage with others' questions, and seek truth wherever it may lead.
Have a great week and keep reading!
Arty
What did you read over Shabbos?
A selection of shared Shabbos reads
I was just listening to Jonathan Haidt on Kara Swishers pod — really enjoyed it!
And I’m increasingly grateful for my research background that has taught me one source is never enough lol
Ps — this reminded me of my little self at my very catholic school where they had us participate in a Passover Seder!
Great article as always, I’m not sure if the Haggadah says that we knock out the teeth of the wicked son, הקהה means causing his teeth to ache by using his own words against him.
Thank you for the Dumbledore quote it’s gevaldig!