Strong and free? A conversation about Freedom

"Freedom" has become a loaded word in some circles. Tonight we are going to discuss different aspects of the concept of freedom.

1. What, to you, is the essence of freedom? Why?
2. Does "power" mean "freedom"? Why or why not?
3. Does "wealth" mean "freedom"? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever felt truly free? If so, when and why? If not, why not?
5. How has your concept of freedom changed over the last 25 years?
6. Do you think that we as a society or more free than society was 100 years ago? Why or why not?
7. "The truth will set you free". Discuss!
8. "The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off!" Discuss!
9. What did George Orwell mean when he postulated that "Freedom is slavery"?
10. Can someone who is financially dependent be truly free? Why or why not?
11. What rights are essential is a "free society"? Why?
12. How can we as citizens safeguard our freedoms?
13. How does social pressure affect freedom?
14. Can freedom exist without equality? Why or why not?
15. Are people morally responsible for every action that they freely choose? Why or why not?
16. Under what circumstances can someone be fairly denied freedom?
17. Must freedom include the right to make bad choices? Why or why not?
18. Do you believe that humans truly have free will? Why or why not?
19. Does technology expand our freedom or does it limit it? Why?
20. What is the greatest threat to freedom today? Why?
    *** BONUS QUESTIONS ***
21. What would a world with absolute freedom look like?
22. Should freedom ever be sacrificed for a "greater good"? Why or why not?
23. Does freedom conflict with compassion? Why or why not?
24. What is the relationship between democracy and freedom?
25. Does social media increase freedom or does it decrease it? Why?

I hope that you will join us for this discussion.
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Given the success of this format we are going to be continuing to gather via Zoom. We will be allowing up to 30 participants for this meeting and, after a brief introduction, we will be splitting off into virtual "tables" of six.

As long as you have RSVP'd before 5:30PM on the day of the event you should receive an email from Robert prior to 6:30PM giving you the Zoom meetup credentials.
*** PLEASE NOTE ***
If you are a member of Table Conversations and you didn't receive an email announcing THIS Table Conversations meetup then you likely won't receive the email with the Zoom information on the evening of the event. Please confirm that your Meetup.com profile is configured correctly by carefully following the step-by-step instructions in this link: https://www.meetup.com/tableconversations/events/270360456/
Otherwise, since I don't control Meetup's mail system, if you are not receiving notifications please contact Meetup.com for assistance.
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* Room opens at 6:45PM (often earlier) for socialization
* Discussion starts at 7:15 and finishes at 8:45ish
* Keep talking until dawn!