today’s philosophical thought – freedom vs. discipline

Today I ran three miles, lifted weights, did push-ups, and will carefully monitor what I eat. None of these things, I should note, are things I particularly want to do.

Yet I feel better than I did in the days when I simply did whatever I wanted, which in this case, involved not exercising and eating whatever I pleased. I also feel, in general, more free. Which is pretty funny, when you think about it, since I lead a more disciplined life now, which by definition means a reduction in the exercise of the freedom to do whatever I want.

Paradoxically, it seems that best way to increase freedom is not to exercise that freedom.

Discuss.

-JM