Freedom MCQ Quiz : 20 Questions

Freedom MCQ Quiz : In the essay Freedom, George Bernard Shaw questions the common belief that human beings are free. He begins by defining absolute freedom as the power to do whatever one likes, whenever and wherever one wishes. Shaw clearly states that such freedom is impossible. Human beings are bound by nature. Every person must sleep, eat, drink, wash, and dress. These natural needs control a large part of human life, whether one is rich or poor. Therefore, complete freedom can never exist.

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Shaw explains that human beings are slaves to necessities. However, while these natural duties cannot be avoided, the labour connected with them can be shifted to others. Food, clothes, and houses are produced by human labour, and those who have power often force others to work for them. In this way, one person lives comfortably while another works for long hours. Shaw strongly warns that whenever one class gains power over another, it transfers its burden onto weaker people.

The essay sharply criticises modern governments. Shaw argues that most governments enforce slavery but call it freedom. Ordinary people are allowed to choose between one master and another through elections, but their real condition does not improve. Voting does not reduce working hours or hardship. People are misled into believing they are free citizens, while in reality, their slavery continues in a regulated form.

Shaw makes an important distinction between two types of slavery: natural slavery and unnatural slavery. Natural slavery is man’s dependence on nature. Though unavoidable, it is pleasant because nature rewards us with comfort and pleasure after fulfilling its demands. Unnatural slavery, on the other hand, is man’s domination over man. This form of slavery is cruel and degrading. It creates class conflict and destroys social harmony.

The master class maintains this system through education, media, and false history. People are taught to admire wealth, power, and authority. Even the rich are deceived into believing that the existing system is just and perfect. Shaw concludes that while some discipline and work are necessary for society, the dream of absolute freedom is false. True freedom cannot exist in a society based on exploitation.