The Value of Freedom

Imagine walking into a room full of people meticulously preparing for something none of them really want to experience: a military invasion. In Taiwan, more and more people are spending their weekends taking survival courses to learn what to do if China were to actually attack. Here, democracy is not just an abstract concept; it is a reality that could vanish overnight, and those who live it defend it, even with gloves, protective goggles, and a compass strapped to their jacket. The point of all this? We often think of freedom as the norm, an acquired right—but in many places, it is a fragile asset that can vanish in an instant. Those who live in Taiwan know this, and they prepare to defend their country even when they would just like to get on with their lives. In Europe, and especially in Germany, we often allow ourselves to take democracy for granted. In contrast, in Taipei, the concept of freedom is so tangible that people get up on Sunday mornings to learn how to survive a war, all while sipping milk tea alongside a protein shake. One of the main characters is Murphy, the course instructor: he has an athlete’s physique, short hair, and a laugh that fills the room. Before starting, he asks everyone if they can swim, if they have enough water, and if anyone is allergic to ant bites—details that reveal how much fear has become a part of daily life. A sobering fact: in recent months, the number of Taiwanese citizens taking self-defense classes has doubled. They are not paramilitary; they are office workers, students, retirees. And each of them, in the tense silence of the room, knows exactly what they are trying to protect. One woman recounts that in 2022, during the Russian aggression against Ukraine, she realized that the future of her island could change overnight—so she started training. No heroism, no fanaticism: just the realization that freedom is not guaranteed. By contrast, the prevailing perception in Germany sounds almost naïve—many young people would not be able to say what it really means to lose democracy, or they don't even ask themselves the question. But the real difference can be seen in actions: while in Europe, freedom is often discussed as a philosophical concept, in Taiwan, people learn to defend it through practical training, so as not to end up as mere spectators of their own history. And if you think this mindset is solely the result of the Chinese threat, just look at how much the war in Ukraine has already changed perceptions of security in Europe as well. The point that is often overlooked is this: freedom is not the default; it is an achievement that must be defended every day—even when it seems inconvenient or paranoid. The key phrase to remember is simple: those who know what they risk losing are truly prepared to defend it. If this story has made you see freedom in a different light, you can indicate that on Lara Notes by using I'm In — it's not a like; it's the gesture of someone saying: This idea is now mine. And if you talk about it with someone tomorrow at dinner or during a walk, you can tag that person with Shared Offline on Lara Notes: that way, the conversation about the value of freedom isn't lost, but stays alive between you. This Note comes from the Süddeutsche Zeitung: You’ve saved at least 10 minutes compared to the original article.