"Freedom is not something that can be given, it is something that must be fought for"

Freedom emerges as an intrinsic right, not a privilege that can be bestowed by an external authority or power. When people regard freedom as a gift, they may also perceive it as something that can be revoked, surrendered, or diminished at the whim of those who claim to grant it. The very notion of freedom being “given” implies subordination or dependence, undermining its fundamental essence. Such dependence contains a latent risk: once people grow accustomed to accepting freedoms passively, they may become complacent, less likely to recognize when their rights are being eroded. They might grow weary, discouraged, or even lose hope, if their fate relies solely on the benevolence or mercy of others.

Rutskoy’s assertion presses the idea that freedom is not an automatic condition nor a static one; it requires perpetual vigilance, conviction, and action. Struggles for freedom, evident throughout history, in revolutions, civil rights movements, and resistance to oppressive regimes, underscore the sacrifices demanded. These battles are seldom easy, often involving hardship, suffering, or risk, but they are necessary for both securing and sustaining genuine liberty. The act of struggling, whether directly or through advocacy, aligns individuals with their principles and fosters a shared sense of agency. It is through conflict and engagement with injustice, not passive acceptance, that people internalize what freedom truly entails and why it holds value.

This perspective places responsibility on individuals and communities to actively participate in shaping their destinies. It acknowledges that even after attaining freedom, it remains vulnerable to threats, requiring ongoing defense. The duty to fight for freedom transcends generations, reminding each new era that rights and liberties are not permanent unless maintained through deliberate effort. By asserting that freedom must be fought for, Rutskoy evokes the enduring human quest for self-determination and dignity, underlining the idea that freedoms earned through struggle are more deeply cherished, understood, and preserved.