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Thoughts are free

Freedom consists not only of privileges, but also of duties and, above all, responsibility. However, democracy and freedom very often overwhelm today’s society. Today’s economic and political elites try to lure people into believing in a ‘carefree package’ and do everything they can to prevent citizens from thinking critically. In the last 16 years in particular, the people have been given a Valium pill that has put the country into a deep sleep. In the process, the so-called fourth estate has allowed itself to become highly corrupt.

But thoughts are free and not bound to what is presented to citizens by the various media, which often try to explain the complex world in an overly simplistic and biased manner.

The idea of freedom of thought is linked to the principle of responsibility: responsibility towards oneself, towards the community, towards nature and the resources of the earth, towards future generations and towards the world one leaves behind.

‘Thoughts are free’ also includes the call to confront autocratic and totalitarian ideas and to fight intellectually against all forms of racism. Even if this involves setbacks, even if it causes disadvantages, even if it makes you unhappy at times.

‘Thoughts are free’ also means that one must swim against the tide and find oneself in the minority. But today’s minorities can be tomorrow’s majorities.

There is no shortage of warning voices and critical thinkers in Germany who care deeply about the well-being of our society. The author feels obliged to make his contribution and to bring all his experience and knowledge to bear. It is particularly important to him to highlight the connections between different topics. With his books and publications, he wants to encourage readers and provide them with information to question current events and form their own opinions. He also addresses the younger generation and wants to use his resources to help them understand the complexity of the world more easily.

The verses ‘Die Gedanken sind frei’ (Thoughts are free) mean a great deal to the author. Time and again, in times of political oppression or danger, this song has been an expression of the longing for freedom and independence. It has lost none of its significance today, when social media is increasingly being used to influence people’s thoughts (and feelings) through propaganda, mass suggestion and manipulation. This German song of freedom makes it clear that free thinking is essential to maintaining and defending the independence and self-determination of each individual.

Michael Ghanem at tredition.de

1. Die Gedanken sind frei, wer kann sie erraten,
sie fliegen vorbei wie nächtliche Schatten.
Kein Mensch kann sie wissen, kein Jäger erschießen.
Es bleibet dabei: Die Gedanken sind frei.

2. Ich denke, was ich will und was mich beglücket,
doch alles in der Still’ und wie es sich schicket.
Mein Wunsch, mein Begehren
kann niemand verwehren,
es bleibet dabei: Die Gedanken sind frei.

3. Und sperrt man mich ein in finstere Kerker,
das alles sind rein vergebliche Werke.
Denn meine Gedanken zerreißen die Schranken
und Mauern entzwei: die Gedanken sind frei.

4. Drum will ich auf immer den Sorgen entsagen
und will mich auch nimmer mit Grillen mehr plagen.
Man kann ja im Herzen stets lachen und scherzen
und denken dabei: Die Gedanken sind frei!

5. Ich liebe den Wein mein Mädchen vor allen,
sie tut mir allein am besten gefallen.
Ich bin nicht alleine bei meinem Glas Weine,
mein Mädchen dabei: Die Gedanken sind frei!

‘Die Gedanken sind frei’ (Thoughts are free) is a German song about freedom.

The lyrics were first published on leaflets around 1780.