Summary for “Century of
Freedom”
In “Century Of Freedom,” Robert J. Samuelson, a Harvard University graduate, asserts
that the perception of freedom is altering from its definition once held centuries ago for the betterment of human welfare. However, this freedom could lead to chaos due to its vagueness and the drive created to obtain this new freedom.
Samuelson quotes political sociologist Seymour Martin Lipset that in the 20th Century freedom only existed for the upper class. Samuelson states that even in America freedom was limited to some or did not exist to others at all. However, with the changing times, and the ratification of some laws, women and Blacks were given the right to vote.
Samuelson quotes statistical facts gathered in a 1999 report from Freedom House, a company based out of Washington that 40 percent of the world is considered to be free. These places enjoy certain constitutional and individual liberties. Samuelson further
asserts that this freedom is not obtained without a price. Samuelson
maintains wars such as World War I and World War II were fought for the “explosion of freedom” and those wars produced wealthier nations. With more riches, come the desires to fulfill self worth. Samuelson maintains that with the increase of technology reaching out to various parts of the world that do not hold the same concept of freedom as others may help promote chaos. Samuelson concludes that freedom is never easy and perhaps never will be.