How Ancient Stories and Modern Politics Reveal the Secret of Freedom

Liberty is not merely a modern invention but a quest that has echoed through human history. The ancient Epic of Gilgamesh tells of a mighty king whose unchecked power threatened his people, a story that resonates with political struggles today. This ancient tale symbolizes the enduring problem of controlling authority to prevent tyranny.

Political philosopher Philip Pettit redefined liberty as freedom from domination—the absence of arbitrary interference by others. This subtle distinction moves beyond the simple freedom to act, emphasizing protection from the shadow of power wielded without accountability.

The Red Queen effect, named after Lewis Carroll’s character who runs tirelessly to stay in place, captures the dynamic tension between state and society. As the state grows stronger, society must mobilize to keep it accountable, and vice versa. This continuous race explains why liberty requires constant effort and adaptation.

Historical examples illustrate this struggle vividly. In ancient Athens, reforms broke down oppressive debt slavery and expanded political participation, creating early democratic institutions. Centuries later, the founders of the United States designed a system of checks and balances to prevent any branch of government from dominating, embodying the narrow corridor’s principles.

Yet the race is never won permanently. Tyranny, anarchy, and repression lurk when either state or society falls behind. Liberty is a fragile balance, a narrow corridor that must be navigated carefully.

Understanding this lineage—from myth to modern polity—helps us appreciate the complexity of freedom and the courage required to sustain it.