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.
294 Responses
Vishen, I’m so glad you posted this. Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing this. Wow. It reminds me of something I wrote earlier this year
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT6BcXsYS/
Those in power don’t want silence. What they want is us all singing their song
And they’re willing to threaten us with violence if we don’t shut the hell up or sing along.
They want us wandering around in darkness so we don’t see the dawn
And they wish we didn’t even exist like the voices of a generation gone.
But the words that I’ve been getting have been given from on high
And I was afraid of being seen but now I can’t deny
Precious blessed truth that has been given unto me
Freedom was meant to be free.
The free will that I had was broken by the Bible belt
That beat me down when I stood up for what’s right.
And then patted me on my head when with folded hands I knelt
And prayed up to a God beyond my sight.
But they didn’t hear the prayers that I was praying
To break the foundation they were laying down
I now know damn well those words that I was saying
In my heart and in my head
And I’m hearing them right now.
I’ve been following the light and leading down the path it led
They’ve been giving me new life. I ain’t been living just on bread.
We’ve been listening to that divine voice and doing what it said
The powerful tried to erase our voices but we’re raising them instead.
We are raising our voices
We don’t have a choice. This is
Not what Freedom was meant to be.
You might keep right on saying
We ought to keep on paying but
Freedom was meant to be free
They say Freedom isn’t free
And if it was they’d find a way
To take it from us all
And hatch a plan to make us pay.
So they can charge us for it
Or else charge us with a crime
If we don’t pay for freedom one more time.
We are free to pay our taxes
Or not I do suppose
We’re just not free to find out where it is that money goes
The military industrial complex take’s its cut
And prays that we keep quiet, but I’ll tell you what…
We are raising our voices
We don’t have a choice. This is
Not what Freedom was meant to be.
You might keep right on saying
We ought to keep on paying but
Freedom was meant to be free.
They say freedom isn’t free and then, even if it was
They would find a way to charge us for it or charge us with a crime because
The men who take our money pay the ones who make the laws
And they seem to think it’s fine because
They say freedom isn’t free.
But we ought to be
As free as fresh air, sunshine, and cool, clean water
Before corporations captured it and then trapped it in a bottle
And then sold it in a market that they told us they made free
But it’s broken as can be. And all of us can see so…
We are raising our voices
We don’t have a choice. This is
Not what Freedom was meant to be.
You might keep right on saying
We ought to keep on paying but
Freedom was meant to be free
They say Freedom isn’t free
And if it was they’d find a way
To take it from us all
And hatch a plan to make us pay.
So they can charge us for it
Or else charge us with a crime
If we don’t pay for freedom one more time
I feel you man, the American spirit is awesome, but the rogue churches and apocalyps tv programs supporting Israel because there is a stupid narrative about an end of the world and the role of Israel in it, almost wishing an apocalypse into reality is really crazy! What’s happening in gaze is already an end of the civilized world in Israel.
It’s cool if you wanna support Isreal, go volunteer in the farms there if you want to, but war is not normal. Israel should know that considering their past.
I really wish for Donald Trump to get some sense into Putin and let them stop this 19th century war in Ukrain also.
Really looking forward to Mindvalley Univeristy in Amsterdam with only positively minded ppl this year, that’s my vacation this year! 😀 😛
Good to see and hear you’re enjoying yourself Vishen! Been following Mindvalley since 2017!
WOW! Was this powerful, on MANY FRONTS!!!
I am an American Jew. I do feel that Gaza should be free though there needs to be land for both to live freely and enjoy what I also believe every human on this planet deserves, and that is – PEACE!
We can always choose happiness as so many do, even in dire circumstances though when government and corporations and the ultra wealthy start to infringe on all of these freedoms, you so eloquently spoke of, it’s not only mind blowing, IT IS ASTONISHING and moves me to my core! Though what does that mean? How can Americans stand up for themselves? It use to be that “voting” would shift the status of our laws for the betterment of the people. We CAN NOT count on that from any and ALL sides!! I vote for YOU VISHEN! Let’s all pull together and fight for what is truly our right as HUMAN BEINGS HERE ON EARTH! For any and ALL countries that are spiraling out, I say they deserve to be as free, as how we think we are!
It is TIME TO SAY
“FREE AMERICA!”
No. It’s time to say “FREE THE WORLD.”
America is only a part of the world.
Sorry – that must have come as a terrible shock!
LOL.
You look pale all of a sudden!
Yikes! Better consume something QUICKLY!
Bury that sudden pang of awareness/national self doubt!
Sit down and have a Coke.
And maybe a sugary donut with some “French” fries.
And a Big Mac, naturally.
You’ll recover. Eventually. LOL.
Great post ! Thank you ! It’s worth spreading.
There is only one thing that bothered me and sounds somewhat contradictory: being proud of learning to shoot guns on the holiday, while showing deep concerns about mass-shootings and guns in the hands of kids. Guns are designed to kill. When everyone has the ‘freedom’ to own a gun, chances grow people use them. It creates a vicious cycle where fear is a big catalyser and with a big chance of escalation. That’s not real freedom. Real freedom is living without fear of being killed because it is so easy for people to get their hand on a gun. And statistics prove that gun violence is significantly lower in countries where guns aren’t considered as a basic or constitutional right.
I agree with the concerns. And, it is curious to me that people are still clamoring to move to America. Do those 10 plus countries who are apparently so much better have issues with folks trying to locate there? I am blessed to live in Hawaii and on this great planet at a time when there is electricity, running water, and sewer systems to name a few. There is a new system being created called “My Present Challenge List”. It is a journal and starts with my current challenges. As they are resolved new ones replace them. It is fascinating to notice the changes as life moves on. Love your thoughts!!
My father was born in the USA, I was partly educated in the USA including university, and someone who used to respect and admire American ideals, I wholly endorse your ” The Myth of American Freedom.” You are saying what I see and believe as a Canadian. It is terrifying, sad, demoralizing, stressful, and so much for so many people including Americans who object to what is happening in the USA now.
Thank you for speaking out. More people need to do it.
While much of what you said is very true, there are some points that are based on media-led bias. I will make my statements on each you presented there at the last of your article, which I enjoyed, by the way:
But what if we said: Free America.
Free America from propaganda disguised as news. ~ Absolutely agree
Free America from the grip of Rupert Murdoch. ~ Again, agree
Free America from billionaires who can buy elections. ~ This one needs clarification on which elections and who you are speaking of. But, in the sense of one administration influencing votes and working to destroy another duly elected administration, then yes, this needs to stop and those who are part of such treasonous acts should be met with a traitor’s consequence.
Free America from a system where corporations are people, but people are disposable. ~ Those people also need to be respectful of the jobs afforded them. There is no loyalty from those (mostly) under 40 toward having and earning a well-paid job with the ability to move up. The younger employees have zero sense of commitment toward or responsibility for getting or keeping a job. They don’t understand high benefits with slightly less pay is far better than high pay with low or no benefits. They’re only in for the instant gratification. Others (people or employers) be-damned.
Free America from mass shootings — and the 25+ million assault rifles still circulating. ~ Ok, HERE you’ve fallen for the media garbage bias! Literally, a ten-second search for “assault rifle” will give you this:
Many myths surround assault rifles, particularly the AR-15, often leading to confusion about their classification, functionality, and use.
“Myth 1: “AR” Stands for “Assault Rifle”
One of the most persistent myths is that “AR” in AR-15 stands for “Assault Rifle.” In reality, it stands for ArmaLite Rifle, named after the company that developed it in the 1950s. The AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle, not a fully automatic assault rifle, which is a significant distinction.” ~Survival World
Are mass shooting horrendous, of course. But those who do these (and all criminals) do not care about the public, personal property, life in general, or the consequences of their actions. There are thousands of gun laws, more than necessary, honestly because they’re redundant. The 2nd Amendment is a brilliant piece of law. But it has been twisted by liberals over the centuries in attempts to subvert it. Those who want power know that an armed populace hell-bent on keeping their freedom is more dangerous to their control – or attempted control – than any paid army. It’s why we have yet to be invaded by land. Instead, it’s being attempted via cyberattacks and biological warfare (i.e. covid, etc.).
Free America from the impact of foreign lobbies, like the Israel lobby, which spends over $100 million/year influencing U.S. politicians. ~ Absolutely!
Free America from racism disguised as patriotism. ~ Again, this inflammatory type statement needs further clarification. Because patriotism does not have racism. It is by definition, “the devotion and rigorous protection of one’s country”. There is nothing racist about that! Racism is “prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism by an individual, community, or institution against a person or people on the basis of their membership in a particular racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalized”.
Free America from cruel policies that tear undocumented families apart. ~ Tell this one to the liberals, as it is their policies that started this. Obama had illegals in cages and separated families, deported millions without due process (which they are NOT afforded because they are NOT citizens or legal residents of this country), but it was ‘crickets’ from the media or the left about it. But Trump does this and all of a sudden, it’s heinous and criminal. The double standard is despicable and disgusting…and with the subversive actions coming to light that they’ve done, it is treasonous and needs to be dealt with appropriately. I would say the same if the role players were reversed, so don’t go down that road.
There are other points to be made, but I will stop with these. Thank you for the opportunity to post.
Viktorija Briggs
Owner/Editor/Publisher
The Sheridan Sentinel
Hoxie, KS 67740
Not bad, but a bit sloppy, Viktorija. America is “racist” in the sense that it, politically – no matter whether it’s the Democrats or Republicans – views the rest of the world as basically it’s “toilet.”
Like here in Australia, we have 2 American military bases. One is Pine Gap, which no Australian EVEN AN AUSTRALIAN POLITICIAN – is even allowed to set foot on – or actually know in any detail what actually goes on there.
“For our own protection.” Naturally.
That would never EVER be allowed to happen the other way around.
Would it? ie. Like Australian military bases in USA that Americans pollies couldn’t access. The uproar would be defeafening.
Wow Vishen! I love each and every word that you have written and I could not agree more. Thank you for standing up and pushing back against these evil acts.
Profound! So well written and so heartbreakingly true.
THANK YOU for being in the 1% yet speaking the honest truth about the state of my country. It’s a rare combination these days and so frustrating that people either refuse to see what is crystal clear to the rest of the world, or delight in these cruel racist policies and try to spin them as somehow patriotic when they’re about as far from our founding principles as could be.
You’re going to lose some followers for this post but I’m so thankful you’re using your influence and have the courage to speak the truth. Bravo, Vishen!
This article is flawed and biased-doing exactly what it says the author says they are against. It promotes a political agenda incognito. Fact: Canada is extremely censored in terms of media and we are not allowed to view news outside of our country online in social media. People are imprisoned and bank accounts wiped for protesting. Our news is funded by the government. You cannot visit a place and judge it -you must live in it. You can’t look at the middle and lower class from the tiers of the upper class and pontificate. You are doing exactly what the news outlets do-view things only from one side. I have been such a huge fan since the inception of Mindvalley but this article has made me re-evaluate the association.
Good point about the death of the Canadian “free press.” I now recall watching an interview with a Canadian journalist on this topic.
What Donald Trump is doing by opening press briefings to all news outlets & independent reporters is huge.
Yeah, OK, so Canada is full of BS, too. All countries are, really, if you look deep enough. The trouble with most U.S. politicians is that they believe they have a right to do ANYTHING THEY LIKE TO THE REST OF THE WORLD THAT WILL PRESERVE THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE. It’s really America vs. the rest of the world.
Eight years ago, for the first time in my life, I started the active process of learning what it means to live abroad and acquire citizenship somewhere other than the country I’ve known my entire life. Then, and now, it’s heartbreaking to know that my country (built on the backs of my people and the blood of countless others) has no love for me and would cast me out of, what truth should entitle me too. But, I work daily to let go of the angst, pain and (tbh) hate I feel. I realize the demons that I don’t cast out will ultimately raise my child. And THAT, is not an option. I go forward with the memory that my ancestors stood strong so that one day I would breathe and dream and BE (wherever my feet may tread or wherever I may lay my head). I go forward knowing that my country is more than politics and an insecure vitriol to extinguish all that is not White. It is more than a group of nearly exiled white men seeking to build something of their own outside of the EMPIRE. More than that, our country is the power of natives who spirits still live and breathe in the earth. I remember that I breathe with them. Our country is the strength and resilience of the enslaved; their heartbeats are the very fabric of what it means to be American. I remember that and my heart beats with them. And finally for every immigrant that sought America for LOVE, that their families might see a dream realized. I remember to love and dream with them. I don’t know what I am to see of America for what is left of my lifetime. What I do know is that, throughout history… if we look closely, LOVE always wins. I pray that the great experiment that is America prevails with love. And if not, I am sure that LOVE will prevail as it should and exactly where it should. Thank you so much for this conversation. ❤️
Love will ultimately win. But in the meantime it might be helpful to ask what “love” is. And what it is not.
And ACT ON THAT. As we each feel called to.
And we may well wipe ourselves out, even so, collectively, at least this time around – before we are collectively advanced as human beings to stop collectively repeating the same old mistakes.
It’s happened repeatedly before.
Just see the many ruins currently under water and the fossil record…
Thank you for such a succinct, clear exposition of the issues in the US. I watch from across the pond, in horror, as your nation appears to be falling into an abyss. As you rightly say – there is a lack of freedom altogether and it’s time to stand up and be counted.
One powerful way of helping this situation is to change the education system so that the next generation can grow in freedom, free to be the best they can be without the confines of a system that is linear, that over-privileges cognition, and is based on materialistic reductive thinking and competition. It’s time for change!
I wish you well and stand with you, Vishen!
My thoughts – please, for the love of God, Allah, the Universe, whatever, just avoid political commentary. It never ends well, it creates fractures, and it hurts your ability to influence. Unless a person’s personal brand is one of political commentary, no one should know how they feel about politics. Because it’s divisive. You have a great brand with MindValley. Keep it politically agnostic.
You call Vishen’s comments POLITICAL? Only in the sense that he was discussing the distribution of POWER. Where does he advocate for Republicans or Democrats? None! This is just darn good say-it-like-it-is journalism! At some point if you care about people you gotta take a stand, surely!
So…nobody should challenge the staus quo, Jeremy?
Then we can all get along peacefully, like mindless sheep, pretending everything is ok while more heinous skull duggery is committed against the obedient, compliant “have-a-nice-day” masses?
Isn’t this sort of “oh-just-leave-it-all-alone” attitude part of the problem?
And where does Vishen advocate for a particular American party?
I have seen similar comments that seem to confuse/label ANY sort of social commentary as political.
Oh C’mon!
This is so beautiful and so true. Let freedom ring after we push for the change this nation so desperately needs.
To me freedom means I get to live my best life without being controlled by systems favoring certain individuals and censoring others. Where people get paid for their worth and work, where women are empowered not to overpower to live a life that best suits them and what they want. Freedom is being able to have income and affordability to pay bills easily and having extra to vacation with reasonable demands and hours. Freedom to me is being able to love who we want when we want. Freedom to me is being everything we were meant to be and more! Freedom to me is being respected as an individual to make our own decisions regarding health and body choices no matter what you look like. Freedom is being able to stand tall, in your truth and being loved for exactly who you are and everything you want to become and everything you dream. If it doesn’t happen in America then some of us will make it happen elsewhere. If there is a will, there is a way. Desire, intention and faith 💗 Blessings and love to everyone 💜
America is definitely not perfect and has lots of room for improvement, but it much more free than authoritarian surveillance countries like China and Russia. Many in America and the world still believe in its founding founding principles: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The Declaration of Independence
Thanks to these words you have the power to create the life you want. You will not be forced by a king or tyrant to do what they want.
The following video does a great of pointing out America’s strengths and weaknesses: https://youtu.be/cHTDR8oBt18?si=CH_YasYMJDByh8zU
I think we are more in love with the idea of freedom way more than we have ever been “free,” ….or democratic. We have to face the darkest of our existence in order to shine the light. Even when THOSE words written were written, it’s clear, the “definition” of men, was very specific. Let’s not fool ourselves. If we’re going to shine the light, we have to be wiling to see what it reveals and deal with it. Stop, “butting” the truth (the dark side). Sit with it. Accept it. So, we can truly move on. Not shackled in the dark.
“Stop, “butting” the truth (the dark side)” you say…
Agreed.
Well said.
Freaking out is understandable, if not optimal.
But sticking ones head in the sand – for any of us – spells potential disaster.
But many will choose/are doing exactly that.
Even here.
It’s a choice.
Maybe one of a dwindling few….
“America is definitely not perfect and has lots of room for improvement, but it much more free than authoritarian surveillance countries like China and Russia.” Maybe, but the difference is getting smaller by the day. America now has passed laws allowing the government to basically kill anyone they like AND without due process.
Then there is the whole F.E.M.A. thing…and so on…
Very well said Wishen.
you could add how easily that Epstein list suddenly disappeared and now it never existed.
My thought is that I love your thoughts on AI but do not need your thoughts on my country.
“but do not need your thoughts on my country.” Well then, don’t read them! You do not have to like EVERYTHING Vishen does…do you?