Men are free when they are obeying some deep, inward voice of religious belief. Obeying from within. Men are free when they belong to a living, organic, believing community, active in fulfilling some unfulfilled, perhaps unrealized purpose. Not when they are escaping to some wild west. The most unfree souls go west, and shout of freedom.
In D.H. Lawrence's "Studies in Classic American Literature," the author suggests that true freedom for men comes from adhering to an inner voice of religious conviction rather than pursuing external escapes. This inward obedience to one's beliefs fosters a sense of liberation, as it aligns individuals with a deeper purpose that transcends superficial desires.
Lawrence argues that belonging to a vibrant and believing community enhances this sense of freedom. Rather than seeking liberation in a chaotic pursuit, like the idea of heading west, individuals find fulfillment and purpose through connection with others who share their beliefs and goals. Thus, he emphasizes that genuine freedom is rooted in internal conviction and communal engagement, not in reckless abandon.
