“The love of liberty is the love of others; the love of power is the love of ourselves.” – William Hazlitt (1778 – 1830) English
humanist / writer
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How have you reacted to feeling powerless over the adverse actions of others, lately?
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Set Them Free (Sting @ Wembley Stadium) (6:10)
Hazlitt on a Journey for Liberty and Self-Discovery (10:08)
Unconditional Love Meditation (11:07)
Must Liberty Lead to Anarchy? A Recovery Perspective on Freedom, Responsibility, and Community
The content explores the tension between liberty and chaos within recovery communities, ultimately arguing that freedom—when rooted in responsibility—does not lead to anarchy but to growth, diversity, and mutual respect. In Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, the authors acknowledge that recovery groups operate without authoritarian control. No member can compel another, and no one faces punishment or expulsion. At first glance, this level of liberty may seem like a recipe for disorder. Critics might worry that too much autonomy invites irresponsibility or even collapse. Yet, that fear misunderstands the deeper power of principled freedom.
To further clarify this point, It Works, How & Why affirms that such freedom fosters diversity and strengthens the unique identity of each group. Rather than drifting into chaos, recovery groups thrive precisely because members willingly adhere to shared principles. This voluntary alignment reflects Viktor Frankl’s concept of “freedom with responsibility,” in which individuals choose purpose and meaning over unchecked autonomy. Thus, liberty becomes a channel for cooperation, not a catalyst for anarchy.
Moreover, William Hazlitt’s quote offers a valuable distinction: “The love of liberty is the love of others; the love of power is the love of ourselves.” In other words, true liberty in recovery settings comes from mutual respect and humility—not the desire to dominate or control. Similarly, authors like Parker Palmer and bell hooks emphasize that communities flourish when built on trust, not force.
In conclusion, liberty does not inherently lead to anarchy. When grounded in shared values and personal accountability, it enables authentic connection, diversity, and sustained recovery.
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