Word of the Day: Independence
Today is the 4th of July. Outside as I write this there are sounds of music, laughter, and celebration. Tonight festive fireworks will light up the sky. Today’s festivities commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States as an independent nation.
In honor of Independence Day, let’s explore what independence really means.
independence (noun) : the face or state of being independent
independent (adjective) :
free from outside control; not depending on another's authority.
not depending on another for livelihood or subsistance
not requiring or relying on something else; not contingent
Independent contains in- meaning “not, opposite of” plus dependent. Independent comes from the French word independant and the Latin word independente. Independente contains in- which again means “not” and dependente or dependens which means “hanging down.” In a literal sense independent means “not hanging down” or “not hanging from” but in a figurative sense we translate this as “not relying on” or “not depending on.”
In Old English, one word similar to independence was selfdom, in which self is a person’s essential being distinct from others and -dom means “law.” Selfdom and independence speak to an individual’s ability to be self governing — to make choices and decisions for one’s self.
Independence can be useful when we feel stuck in situations that feel oppressive. Independence reminds us that we can make our own choices and that we can support ourselves to leave abusive situations. This might not always be easy or feel readily available in cases of extreme external control.
A desire for independence is often a desire for freedom. Freedom is defined as the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. Freedom is a fundamental right and yet there are still situations that limit freedom. In these times we yearn for independence.
Independence is a state of self-reliance. In this state of self-reliance we don’t have to rely on others to have our basic needs met. An independent person meets their own needs. These can be physical, emotional, or mental needs.
In his book The Rational Optimist, author Matt Ridley writes about the truth of a different but related concept — interdependence. He writes about how interdependence through trade and division of labor has led to an increase in quality of life. Ridley contends that when individuals can focus on what they do best and share skills and goods with one another, everyone benefits. He lays out examples of how interdependence has led to progress over time.
It is true that we live in interdependence. I am self-employed and fairly self-reliant. Even if these circumstance provide the illusion of being completely independent, I still rely on others. I am typing this on a computer made by the labor of many people through an elaborate multi-stage process. Later I will go to the grocery store and purchase food in a business stocked by the labor of many others. I will independently walk myself to the store. I will independently make my own choices while there, but I won’t receive the goods I need without also relying on the work of others.
Though independence and interdependence are different concepts, they don’t have to be mutually exclusive. In independence, I have the freedom to think and act on my own. This allows me to tap into my unique gifts and interests. When you have the freedom to do the same, we can each contribute to the interdependent reality in different ways. This divides the labor and creates progress for all. I share the fruits of my labor with you and you can share yours with me. Now we have twice as much without doing the labor it would entail if we were entirely independent.
Allowing each individual the freedom to express in their truest and most expansive way through independence enhances the experience of life for all of us as we coexist in interdependence.
