I’ve just returned from a two-week road trip across America with my kids—a journey that rekindled my deep love for this country… and also stirred a quiet ache I couldn’t ignore.
We didn’t stick to the usual tourist spots. Sure, we saw the Statue of Liberty and wandered through New York and Boston.
But we also went deep into the heartland—driving across South Dakota, visiting the cowboy town of Cody, WY, camping under the stars in Yellowstone, standing beneath Mount Rushmore, watching small-town rodeos, and even learning to shoot guns.
It was beautiful. Awe-inspiring. A window into the raw soul of this nation.
One morning, I was about to post a photo of my kids and me standing under the American flag—captioned “The Land of the Free.”
But my thumb hovered. Because something inside me whispered, That’s not entirely true anymore.
And that’s what today’s email is about.
It’s about freedom—what it really means, why it’s vanishing, and why we should all be concerned. Not just Americans, but all of us.
Where does America actually rank in freedom?
I was shocked to learn that America no longer ranks in the top 10 freest countries in the world.
In fact, not even the top 15.
According to the 2024 Human Freedom Index, America ranks #17—and it’s still falling.
Recent events, growing surveillance, media consolidation, and the erosion of civil rights are accelerating the decline.
Many experts now warn: the U.S. is on the brink of autocracy.
Why do Northern European and select Asian countries consistently outrank America in freedom?
Because they have:
- Strong protections for civil liberties
- Public education systems that teach critical thinking
- Universal healthcare that actually works
- Transparent governance
- Independent media (not owned by six conglomerates)
- Smart regulation that keeps corporate influence in check
Meanwhile, America continues to erode its democratic foundations.
Let’s break it down—with four global indexes that reveal the full picture.
#1: Human Freedom Index
Measured by the Cato Institute and Fraser Institute.
This combines personal freedom (speech, religion, and movement) with economic freedom (property rights and regulatory fairness).
Top countries: Switzerland, New Zealand, Finland, Denmark, Estonia
America? Ranked #17—tied with the UK.
Why?
Because of increasing political polarization, declining rule of law, and growing restrictions on bodily autonomy and protest rights.
#2: Press Freedom Index
Measured by Reporters Without Borders.
Evaluates media independence, transparency, and journalist safety.
Top countries: Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Netherlands
America? Ranked #57.
Why?
Because six corporations own 90% of U.S. media.
Because cable networks profit from division.
Because journalists are threatened and discredited.
Because truth is no longer profitable.
#3: Democracy Index
Published by The Economist Intelligence Unit.
Measures the electoral process, civil liberties, political culture, and government function.
Top countries: Norway, New Zealand, Iceland, Sweden, Switzerland
America? Labeled a “flawed ”democracy”—currently around #28.
The country that once exported democracy… now struggles to protect its own.
#4 Internet Freedom
Measured by Freedom House.
Assesses censorship, surveillance, and digital expression.
Top countries: Iceland, Estonia, Canada
America? Not even in the top 10—and declining.
Why?
Policies like requiring visa applicants to hand over social media accounts are undermining digital privacy — and global trust in U.S. tech.
Each index tells the same story:
America is falling behind.
So what does this tell us?
The idea that America is the freest nation on Earth does not hold up against the four global freedom indices.
It’s a myth—one we must lovingly but urgently dismantle if we are to build something better.
What real freedom actually looks like
Real freedom isn’t fireworks and an anthem.
It’s not red, white, and blue—it’s truth, agency, and dignity.
Here’s what real freedom looks like in a modern, awakened society:
Real freedom means…
Freedom from fear
You can walk down the street without fearing bullets, badges, or bills.
Freedom to learn truthfully
Your education isn’t censored by political agendas or banned books.
Freedom to heal
You can access affordable, evidence-based healthcare—without bankrupting your family.
Freedom to vote—and have it count
Your voice isn’t silenced by gerrymandering, voter suppression, or money in politics.
Freedom of thought
Algorithms don’t control your beliefs. You think for yourself—not how the algorithm trained you to.
Freedom to be who you are
Regardless of your race, gender, sexuality, faith, or background—you’re treated with dignity, not suspicion.
Freedom online
The internet is a tool for empowerment, not surveillance, manipulation, or corporate censorship.
Freedom to roam
You can travel, work, and live across borders without bureaucratic chains—as a citizen of the Earth.
Freedom to rise—together
Economic mobility is real. Success isn’t reserved for the zip code you were born into.
Freedom from war
You don’t have to fund invasions while schools crumble and families go hungry.
That’s what freedom looks like.
Not something you claim.
Something you create.
But here’s what Americans still aren’t free from…
Freedom from poisoned food
Michelle Obama planted vegetables. Conservatives shouted, “You’re taking away our freedom!”
Now RFK Jr. echoes the same message—and it’s patriotic.
The hypocrisy is wild.
But at least now both sides agree: America’s food system is broken.
Americans now die five years younger than their European counterparts.
Freedom from gun terror
You want a handgun? Fine. A hunting rifle? Cool.
But why the hell are AR-15s on the streets?
Kids are doing active shooter drills in kindergarten.
That’s not freedom. That’s national PTSD.
Freedom from mass incarceration
America is 4% of the world’s population, but holds 20% of the world’s prisoners.
Over 1% of Americans are behind bars.
Private prisons profit. Minorities suffer.
Land of the free… unless you’re poor, Black, or unlucky.
Freedom for your vote to actually count
Wyoming: 580,000 people. California: 39 million.
Same number of senators. That’s not democracy—that’s dilution.
And Puerto Rico?
3 million American citizens.
No vote in Congress. No vote for president.
How? Puerto Ricans are American citizens. They just don’t get to vote.
Make it make sense.
So what if we flipped the script?
Young Americans chant: Free Gaza. Free Palestine. Free Cuba. Free Iran.
But what if we said: Free America.
- Free America from propaganda disguised as news.
- Free America from the grip of Rupert Murdoch.
- Free America from billionaires who can buy elections.
- Free America from a system where corporations are people, but people are disposable.
- Free America from mass shootings—and the 25+ million assault rifles still circulating.
- Free America from the impact of foreign lobbies, like the Israel lobby, which spends over $100 million/year influencing U.S. politicians.
- Free America from racism disguised as patriotism.
- Free America from cruel policies that tear undocumented families apart.
But mostly…
Free America from the illusion of freedom.
Because here’s the truth:
When America is free… Gaza will be free. So will the world.
When America sneezes, the world catches a cold. And we, the rest of the world, are sick of suffering the consequences.
This isn’t about red vs. blue
It’s about truth vs. illusion.
It’s about reclaiming what “freedom” really means—beyond slogans, beyond partisanship, beyond the BS.
And it starts with us—speaking up, seeing clearly, and refusing to settle for myth over meaning.
In love, the American spirit of rebellion, and deep respect for what this amazing country could still become,
— Vishen
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below—tell me what freedom means to you, what you’re standing for, or what this stirred in you.
Next: Join us live at Mindvalley X this Aug 9, 2025
Our last AI Summit brought together 160,000 attendees. Now, we’re doing it again.
This time: a one-day, global event with our best Mindvalley teachers delivering TED-style talks—20 minutes each—packed with new ideas for 2025 and beyond.
From longevity and AI to conscious entrepreneurship and emotional mastery—this summit is your invitation to the next evolution of you.
And it’s free to attend from anywhere in the world.
Because the future isn’t waiting.
And neither should we.
Let’s grow together.
Let’s rise as one.
290 Responses
Hey Vishen, from a Canadian admirer.
I agree. America is no longer the land of the free.
It is currently the land where values are dictated by those in power.
The old adage of might is right.
This is why the possibility of Trump, Putin, and Xi Jinping carving up the world may not be fantasy.
These plutocrats are simply megalomaniacal bullies, nothing more.
I am not at liberty to speak for Americans.
As a Canadian, I can choose to avoid America.
I do not choose to sympathize with the American people. For right or wrong, they voted for this administration.
To me, MAGA is sending the wrong message. Give us what we want or we’ll take it. Adopt our values or bugger off.
The only resolution to any dispute is a win for the US and a loss for all other people or countries.
Our planet is hurting, and the supposed superiority of human intelligence is responsible.
On our present course, self-destruction is only a matter of time.
The world’s tolerance of the tragedies in Ukraine and Gaza is a hint.
The ineffectiveness of the UN is a hint.
The gullibility of the masses to elect bullies is a hint.
The willingness to bend or ignore inconvenient rules/laws is a hint.
For those of you objecting to Vishen’s use of the Mindvalley platform to challenge the hypocrisy of the so-called leader of the free world, then you have not been paying attention.
At Mindvalley, we learn that we are one with the universe.
It’s not ‘you’ and ‘me’ or ‘us’ and ‘them.’
We are one.
The rich diversity of our world is a blessing to be celebrated within the context of equality and mutual respect.
These are tenets at the core of the enlightenment we seek at Mindvalley.
Yes, follow your dreams, manifest wealth and success, but NOT (ostensibly) at the expense of our fellow travellers.
The more divided we are, the more we are driven by hate for those who disagree with us, and the less success we all have. It is the negativity spiral that sucks the emotional life from your world. Have you ever stopped to notice how miserable it feels to hate? To judge? To blame others for all that you feel is wrong in your world? It’s exhausting.
By recognizing what is not okay in our leaders, we gain a better understanding of what is missing in our personal world. Whether we like it or not, politics IS personal. Who we are as citizens, working together, defines how we govern ourselves. The bullies of our world would not be where they are if WE, collectively, made different choices.
For some reason, I cannot see Simon’s comment. I would’ve like to have seen to what Anonymous is referring! If it was taken down. Why? Is there no freedom of speech here, either? As there certainly is not on other places online.
With that said, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all wanted peace & all of us would be in service to each other, from the love within our hearts?! All people, I’ve met while traveling, want this!
It’s my belief that some countries have been hi-jacked or were set up by other countries, whose habit it is, is to take over countries from within & without. I hate seeing this! (I may be wrong & I’d truly love to be!) I think this is what has happened with Turtle Island, as the USA was once called.
{No one else really profits from war, but those that play both sides.}
May true, untarnished Love be what guides us ALLl, however slim that chance may be.
PEACE, LOVE & ABUNDANCE to ALL BEINGS
Thank you so much for telling it like it is and listing the facts. As an American I am mindblown at what is going on and how many Americans are buying into the crap they are being told. Wake up people! Do we need changes in our goverment? Yes, but not the changes that are being made right now. There are a lot of people who are aware of the danger and are doing all that we can to stop this. Let’s hope it’s enough.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts through this blog 🙏🏾 I loved reading it and it’s much needed. Reflecting on what freedom means to me – is part of my growth in this current chaotic world. As I learn from many courses on Mindvalley, our goals actions should help others too. We are all connected and how I view freedom and steps I take for my own freedom should help others.
I have some deep thinking to do about what Freedom means to me. I am sad with what I see in the world today.
Thank you again for the blog and posing this question.
I live in Michigan. My son took a Summer job as a Camp Counselor in California. Yesterday, he called and said he bought a 2004 Minivan and was going to be driving home instead of flying (it’s 2,475 miles). Him and three friends he met at camp are making an adventure out of the trip home. I applaud his sense of adventure. However, his new friends are Foreign Exchange Students he met at Camp. They have a few weeks left before they have to return home. I am genuinely concerned for them. Not because I’m worried about danger from crime or about them driving a car that is older than any of them across the country. My BIGGEST concern is I.C.E. (AKA- NAZI Brownshirts) will detain them.
I really don’t understand why ANYONE would want to visit this country while this administration is in control. This saddens and terrifies me for my country. At least once a day, I feel like apologizing to the World.
We are so used to lies, misinformation and propaganda, that when we hear some facts and truth, we get shocked. Thank you Vishen for discussing humanity matters. You are one of the few that earned the respect of many.
I wrote the song below about Freedom. As someone who was raised Republican and made my way to the left only to see that Americana’s issues can’t be summed up to one party, I realize that if we’re ever going to wake up, we’ll have to go deeper. I wrote this song in a style that I think speaks to many of the Americans who see other people as their biggest threat. The song is titled, Where Love Goes, So Will I. The lyrics are below.
https://youtu.be/adgcbCQ5YhA?si=ARoawSSAbXPDxkxs
Free free free
It’s what we say that we’re here for
But Freedom takes no prisoners
It’s Your way that we ignore
Free free free
We say we love it but we lie
Because freedom can’t belong to me
If I see others as less than I
So if I forget, I always tell myself
Where Love goes, so will I
At the edge of all my trying
I have nothing left to give
Then out of nowhere, You come through
The reason why I live
No success or recognition
Can ever pull me through
Even if I lose it all
I know I am because of You
No relationship, no country
Ever will define
The me You knew before all things
The me You always had in mind
Everything here lies to me
Trying to tell me who to be
But the only thing You ask of us
Is to let go and be free
Free free free
It’s what we say that we’re here for
But Freedom takes no prisoners
It’s Your way that we ignore
Free free free
We say we love You, but we lie
Because freedom can’t belong to me
If I see others as less than I
So if I forget, I always tell myself
Where Love goes, so will I
Some of us tell the world we love You
But You know it isn’t true
You know that we can’t love you
And still do the things we do
Our excuse is that we’re human
But that doesn’t mean a thing
You promise to give us abundantly
What we give to other beings
Give love and love comes back to us
Give hate and hate returns
We can lie to others but can’t lie to You
I don’t know if we will ever learn
He said what you do to the least of these
You’ve also done it unto me
So why would he ever come back for us
When we refuse to set him free
Free free free
It’s what we say that we’re here for
But Freedom takes no prisoners
It’s Your way that we ignore
Free free free
We say we love You, but we lie
Because freedom can’t belong to me
If I see others as less than I
So if I forget, I always tell myself
Where Love goes, so will I
Sometimes I just want to give up
I can’t take the lies no more
So many Christians are hypocrites
There’s no point to keeping score
Claiming literalism
For a book they never read
If Jesus spent a day with them
He’d probably end up dead
And the saddest thing is they don’t know
They honestly believe that he’s their leader
But if we can’t love who Jesus loves
Then truly we don’t love him either
But I know the same is true for me
To love you, I must love them also
True freedom is going where love wil go
So you lead and I will follow
Free free free
It’s what we say that we’re here for
But Freedom takes no prisoners
It’s Your way that we ignore
Free free free
We say we love You, but we lie
Because freedom can’t belong to me
If I see others as less than I
So if I forget, I always tell myself
Where Love goes, so will I
Free free free
We say we love You, but we lie
Because freedom can’t belong to me
If I see others as less than I
So if I forget, I always tell myself
Where Love goes, so will I
Pedro your song is an authentic hit. I shared it with some people and all of them love it. Please tell us the name of the singers. I love it !!!!!!!!!!!!
To Anita and Mindy DiPietro
With all due respect to your opinion, doesn’t it strike you as odd that this is the first time Vishen has spoken out on political issues? This isn’t a coincidence. Vishen doesn’t usually get involved in political matters, so doesn’t it seem strange that he’s only doing so now, when the most developed country in the world is suffering so much?
The more American you feel, the more it hurts, the more you care, and the more you need to do something—at least a small gesture—when you see so many valuable things we admire about our country crumble. Anita, Mandy, silence is easy; commitment is difficult.
Did you know the movie Schindler’s List is about a wealthy businessman (much like Vishen) who, despite being personally safe, cared about the pain of thousands of people simply because he was a great human being? We are living in an exceptional and unprecedented situation. Please don’t avoid thinking about it.
Dear Anonymous – with all due respect to your opinion, you know nothing about me. I do not hide my head in the sand and I know what is going on in the world. Do not make presumptions as to whether I am “silent”.
To compare Vishen to Schindler is disturbing and not at all appropriate.
The fact remains that MindValley is a personal development platform – NOT a political platform. This is not what I agreed to when I paid my money and signed up. Vishen, as well as every other person, is entitled to their opinions. This is not the place to do it, and by Vishen doing so he has abused the trust of the MindValley members.
Schindler??? Are you serious? What Vishen is doing is actually the opposite of what Schindler did. Schindler was trying to help Jews escape the holocaust, Vishen is trying to incite a new one. He makes all sorts of non-educated demands about freeing Gaza without once mentioning Hamas, who will continue to steal, abuse, and oppress the Palestinian people if not defeated. Palestine won’t be free under Hamas, but all the newly minted “experts” are content to ignore Hamas because they really don’t care about what happens to Palestinians 20 yrs from now; they’ll be on to the next hip injustice by then.
Vishen is inciting a new holocaust by stating his dangerous opinions as facts, asking his followers to rise up. This is very irresponsible: His platform is huge and he obviously doesn’t give a damn what happens to the Jews. So disgusting. Don’t you dare compare him to Schindler.
If you haven’t seen it already there are hashtags: #MindwashValley #MoneyBackVishin
We are asking for our money back, because this is not what we paid for. I’m not Jewish, but I don’t believe MindValley could support my spiritual growth if this is what LIES beneath. We were lied to. By the way MindValley tribe/employees, you had better post this comment. I believe you are honest and will post it, but if you don’t, I’m going straight to my state attorney general. Sorry, I’m not threatening, I just don’t want to be silenced. Thank you. Freedom for All!
Thank you so much Vishen and mindvalley for the eye opening write up on where our America stands on global freedom ranking I am shocked and speechless keep up the great job in showing America the true and real America Thanks again AGU
Thanks for writing in such clear and powerful manner.
What a sad spiral the citizens of the USA are spiraling downwards in.
I would like to invite you to from now on always call the USA by it’s official name USA instead of ‘America’.
Brazilian born, Dutch citizen, Jenneken Berends
PS: Success in Amsterdam !
Ok, so here’s the deal, currently, with me; these insights absolutely invite me to say “hmmm” as I reflect and determine my actions. This begins me to admitting that when I approach “freedom” as a destination it outwardly can become my ever elusive horizon. When “freedom” operates and reigns within me, the ‘locks’ that bind and the ‘keys’ which represent relief seem to be – as stated by Almustafa’s response on “freedom” to the orator in Gibran’s The Prophet – integrally embraced in my thought chamber and in my experiences. By way of example from Almustafa’s response “…if it is a care you would cast off, that care has been chosen by you rather than imposed upon you.
And if it is a fear you would dispel, the seat of that fear is in your heart and not in the hand of the feared.
Verily all things move within your being in constant half embrace, the desired and the dreaded, the repugnant and the cherished, the pursued and that which you would escape.”
I don’t know about you but that use of the alphabet is deep.
Therefore, my envisioned next steps must involve intentional reflection within.
Vishen, my dude, your expressed insights on freedom are a valuable catalyst, from my perspective, and I welcome the precipitates as they come to fruition.
Peace & Balance,
NbuChardo (an aka)
Vishen, I share your concerns about the current situation in the USA today. In my opinion, this setback is a life lesson about **the great responsibility exercised when casting a vote, **the importance of being informed about the rules of the game in a state governed by the rule of law, and **the most crucial issue: People’s values and principles always matter a great deal, and even more so if they hold a position of power. However, from this dark and sad moment we are all experiencing, my intuition tells me that after this painful and unforgettable moment in history, a movement of progress will ensue, comparable to the Renaissance and the arrival of the Industrial Revolution, and we will enter an era of enlightenment, advancement, and freedom for humankind never seen before. My intuition resists abandoning trust in humanity and its ability to rebuild itself even in the worst of circumstances. I am sure each of us, in one way or another, will do something to make this happen.
Really Vishen? AGAIN?? Stop with the America bashing. You are dividing, not uniting, people. I joined MindValley for personal development. Politics has no place in this platform. Everyone is entitled to their views, but as a leader to ALL members, you are held to higher account. You have missed that mark.
Vishen, I respect and adore you but I am so sorry to see such a political post. There are so many influences on policies and world politics is often a game of smoke and mirrors pitting us against each other. I agree with you on some issues and have a different take on others.
The grass is not always greener on the other side and obviously, America remains a beacon of hope for people all over the world. I come here to learn positive methods to bring life giving energy to people and our planet.
Recently, I read that one person vibrating near their highest capacity can counteract 222 people in lower vibrational states. I’m here to learn and grow and get away from politics. I feel this is antithetical to that mission.
With all due respect to your opinion, doesn’t it strike you as odd that this is the first time Vishen has spoken out on political issues? This isn’t a coincidence. Vishen doesn’t usually get involved in political matters, so doesn’t it seem strange that he’s only doing so now, when the most developed country in the world is suffering so much?
The more American you feel, the more it hurts, the more you care, and the more you need to do something—at least a small gesture—when you see so many valuable things we admire about our country crumble. Mandy, silence is easy; commitment is difficult.
Did you know the movie Schindler’s List is about a wealthy businessman (much like Vishen) who, despite being personally safe, cared about the pain of thousands of people simply because he was a great human being? We are living in an exceptional and unprecedented situation. Please don’t avoid thinking about it.
You are on point about the true state of our freedom in the U.S. with the statistics to back it up. I believe you are just referring to the the United States of America, though, not the whole American continent. An important distinction.
On your statement about Gaza, I will just quote the words of a Jewish friend of mine, “If Hamas stops fighting / firing missiles, there will be peace in the middle east. If Israel stops fighting, there will be no more Israel.”
Excellent article Vishen. Thanks for writing in such clear and powerful manner. Appreciate you using your voice to ring the alarm bells.
Vishen, this was so well said. Thank you for sharing such enlightening truth about the freedom, or lack of, in this country.
It was crazy awesome running into you and your family in Yellowstone! Brian and I are still talking about the synchronicity of seeing you at Sylvan Lake. What a great road trip adventure you had with your family. We also love the beauty of this country and experience it through road trips. Living in the Las Vegas area, it’s easy to drive to many National Parks. Blessings to you and all you do and share for the betterment of humanity.
Thank you for expressing this difficult-to-hear concept: we carry the illusion that we are free, meanwhile everything you said is true: Women’s right to choose, the rule of law, the education system, the environment, a nation of immigrants seeking better lives, digital bill of rights, all these and more are under attack and being stripped away by an unholy alliance of megalomaniacs and ultra-orthodox, science fearing religious zealots. No, this is not the America I grew up in. Make America Great Again, what a sick irony that they are systematically dismantling and destroying everything that made America the land of the free. Vishen, will you consider running for President?
Dear Vishen,
To me,
Freedom is not just a legal right.
It’s the ability to truly be myself —
without fear of judgment, rejection, or being silenced.
I grew up in a world where the voice of a woman
often didn’t matter as much as others’.
But today, I stand tall, because I know
true freedom begins from within.
It begins with the courage to transform your life.
With standing for your own dignity, even when no one is watching.
I believe that we all have the right to dream,
to rise, and to rebuild —
free from the limits of race, age, or past.
Everyone deserves a space on this planet
to live freely, safely, and authentically.
Because freedom for one should mean freedom for all.
Thank you for this beautiful and thought-provoking message.
-Nucanat.
I think when you become aligned with your purpose then you can feel free. in history books you saw painting Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite originating from the French revolution. People travel to seek the freedom, to have free time from work or from pressure in close relationship. Why so many people then travel to Paris? They want to see art and sense the atmosphere, cafes and walk along Seine river.. chatGDP could also give answers about the right hemisphere and creativity and freedom, when you are aligned with your purpose u feel your freedom.