"自由に生きるか死ぬか"
— General John Stark
Simplified Meaning:
This saying emphasizes the importance of freedom to the extent that living without it is considered worse than death. Imagine a bird being kept in a small cage. While the bird is alive, it cannot fly freely and explore the world, which is its true nature. Many people feel that their personal freedom to make choices and live their lives fully is very important. For example, in history, individuals and groups have fought for their independence and rights even when it meant risking their lives because they valued their freedom so much. Applying this idea to daily life means recognizing the importance of your own choices and the ability to live authentically, without being overly constrained by others or oppressive systems. It suggests that having the freedom to be yourself and make your own decisions is vital to a meaningful and fulfilling life.