ABSTRACT
The ontological argument that the nature of an entity is somehow contained in its name has long been rejected even in theology. No word has to be so carefully defined from this point of view as the word freedom. Claim too little for freedom and one leave scope for slavery. The humanist must be even more determined and consistent in his rejection of popular usages, dictionary meanings and dictionary definitions. He uses words of an older citizenship and words linked with general discourse in sermon, in political harangue and in the task of molding public opinion. A great many popular and literary uses of the word freedom therefore have to be rejected. At times the word is used in a meaningless context. This chapter refers to one aspect of human culture in which the idea of freedom, free-floating, pervasive and omnipotent, is actually embodied and standardized.
