Every day on Low Two Pair, we dig into a Thought of the Day and Question of the Day, and on a day like the Fourth of July, there’s no better time to reflect on freedom—what it means, what it costs, and how we carry it. Today’s post is about more than just fireworks and barbecues. It’s about the freedom to move, to choose, and to question what we take for granted.
Thought of the Day
“Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.” — Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln didn’t say perfect government. He didn’t promise efficiency or even fairness. What he promised—what he fought for—was that it would be ours. A messy, maddening, miraculous idea: a government made up of us. Not imposed from above, not handed down by royalty, not whispered behind closed doors. Ours.
On the Fourth of July, it’s easy to gloss over that with a red, white, and blue Instagram filter. But this quote isn’t a bumper sticker—it’s a mission statement. One we’re still struggling to live up to. Some days it feels like of the people means influencers, by the people means lobbyists, and for the people means whichever people can afford it.
But here’s the hopeful part: we’re still here. We’re still trying. And if we’re paying attention, we still have a voice.
Question of the Day
Which of your freedoms do you value the most?
I value the freedom to get up and go whenever and wherever I want.
I don’t take that lightly. The freedom to move—to just decide you’re done with this place, or need a breath of different air, or that the open road is calling—that’s not something everyone has. For a lot of people in the world, or even just across town, freedom is theoretical. The freedom to leave a bad relationship, a toxic job, a place that stifles your spirit—it’s not evenly distributed.
My car isn’t fancy. My bank account isn’t overflowing. But when I wake up and feel like I need to see water or trees or just something new, I can. That freedom to move through the world on my own terms? That’s gold.
Some folks might say freedom of speech or religion, and they’re not wrong. But for me, it’s the freedom of motion—that restlessness that says, You’re not stuck.
Want more introspective questions like this?
👉 What has gradually disappeared over the last 10 years without people really noticing?
👉 When You Were a Child, What Did You Think Would Be the Best Part About Being an Adult?
What About You?
Which of your freedoms do you value most—and why? Leave a comment below or better yet, get daily reflections like this straight to your inbox.