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
This is a complex topic. I think I can break it down into a few main issues. Overall, education in America is terrible. This impacts so many areas of daily life. I think there is a general lack of respect, appreciation, and joy for those around us. We don’t share enough of the good things, but we are quick to speak about the negative. Media has an influence, but only to the extent that we, as individuals, let it. We’ve forgotten or never learned what LIVING really is about. It takes effort. Many don’t know how to look at themselves in order to understand how to change from within and to influence those around them.
YES. Curiously, your reply is more in alignment with what I believe MindValley to be about than this blog entry.
Hmmmm. How true!
I am not orthodox Christian, or indeed religious in the usual sense, but it seems clear we are in the middle of a spiritual war.
If you are agnostic or athiest – fine by me – instead read, perhaps – “War of Consciousness.”
So for me – the decline in basic moral values, eg. being polite, respectful, honouring people, strangers, elders, woman,children and also animals – all life in fact – it’s all like life in general having the soul sucked out of it. Like everything being reduced to numbers. Everything quantified, quality of life dying…
This is the fight in this human epoch. IMHO.
I have noticed the freedom deficiency in the US during my first trip in the 90’s and then throughout my life in Houston. It’s been rapidly worsening under D. Trump. For all the reasons you describe Vishen but also for cultural reasons. For example the inability to freely walk across the country. And like you, I am sorry to be watching this since the US is my second home.
Love it, Vishen, I couldn’t say it better, thank you. Especially you nailed that: ‘Because here’s the truth:
When America is free… Gaza will be free. So will the world.’ Gaza, Ukraine, Iran… you name it. So will the world.
Thank you again, you’re appreciated.
Vishen, your words echo deeply in my bones.
As a baby boomer born to immigrant parents in Los Angeles, I grew up in an America bursting with possibility — yet riddled with pain. I lived through the assassinations of JFK, MLK, and RFK. I marched as the Civil Rights Movement roared. I watched Roe v. Wade become law — and now, watch in disbelief as its protections unravel.
We once fought — and hoped — for “liberty and justice for all.” Today, that promise feels like it’s fading under the weight of censorship, polarization, surveillance, and corporate power. What you wrote isn’t just truth — it’s a call to consciousness.
Still, I believe in the soul of this country. I believe in the American spirit — not as a brand, but as a beating heart yearning to live in alignment with its founding ideals. We were meant to be a land for the people. And I still hold faith that we can return there, together.
Thank you for illuminating what real freedom looks like — not in nostalgia, but in vision.
May we each do our part to awaken it.
— Arleen Torgersen
Los Angeles-born. American by birth. Human by heart.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and concerns! We are with you, and would have never moved here 35 years ago, if we had known the politics develop as in this current corrupt situations!
I love this article. As an “American”, born and raised, this country isn’t what it used to be anymore. When people celebrate July 4th – “Independence Day” – it makes me angry, especially as a woman. America is NOT the greatest country, nor is it the land of the free anymore. I’m not proud to call myself an American: I’m embarrassed and humiliated. I am happy to see that I am not the only one who truly sees what is happening.
Vishen,
Freedom is that small still voice that tells you everything you need to do.
It does not rank.
It does not judge.
It does not compare.
It simply needs to be invited to unfold outward from within to provide repeatedly, without fail. It simply gives, endlessly. It simply whispers I am with you Beloved, all day long.
And only then when you hear it, you are free.
Finally.
And those around you are touched by Its Light.
XO
That’s beautiful!
Thank you for taking a stand on this. I am even more reassured that Mindvalley is worth my time and attention. This gives me hope.
It was amazing to read this Vishen 🙏
Thank you!
And I’m proud of living in Norway with our freedom.
Hi Vishen,
Quite a thought-provoking article and I was surprised to find no comments. Is it out of fear, apathy, or a mixture of both?
Some say it’s already too late—only civil war will reset this country.
Others argue no country is perfect, but the rest of the world is worse off than here.
What are the pros and cons of relocating to one of the top countries? Do they outweigh the pros and cons of living in the USA?
Love that you are talking about this and this is so true. I would add to this conversation the American Dream that was sold vs the Nightmare it is created for many e.g. debt, tied to one place, etc. and creating a new dream. I love alignment when it happens and wrote about this recently.
https://www.fitlifecreation.com/post/the-american-dream-or-nightmare-a-modern-perspective-on-a-dream-of-freedom
THANK YOU for speaking up! Thank you from another business owner who has started speaking up. So many colleagues say, “Stay neutral” or “It’ll hurt your business if you take a side.” But if we cave into the fear, THEY win. That’s what they want. Stand UP, Speak UP, LIFT UP!
Thank you for this, so well stated. We all need to stand up and let this information known before its too late.
This is an excellent article – very clear, well-researched and also passionate. A pleasure to read! Thank you.
Could not agree more, Vishen. Thank you for a clear breakdown of what is wrong with my country right now, and for your ideas and hopes on how to fix it.
You’ve hit the nail on the head. Why don’t you run for president and fix it. I would vote for you:)
Highly recommend Timothy Snyder’s On Freedom.
The questions you raise are pertinent to AI – how might we redesign political, social, global and planetary structures that optimize freedom in an age of AI, when what it means to be human is changing?
Thank you for raising this issue. You will very likely get blowback from it because many people wrongly see it as a political or red v. blue issue. But as you said, our country’s declining freedom measures are bigger than politics and are of interest to all of us.
I absolutely agree with you 100%. I’m Canadian and live in the US / Canada border city of Windsor with Detroit across the river. Our city is totally intertwined with the US, both economically and personally.
However, we’ve been watching the eroding freedoms and extreme politics of our neighbors in the US with increasing concern. People in our community once crossed the border almost daily to shop, visit friends and family and enjoy concerts and dining. That has completely stopped since the US border has become extra thick and unwelcoming.
It’s very sad to lose the friendship of our closest neighbor.
Amazing – Truth, so much truth.
But please don’t use AI to write .. it would have been filled with so much more burning passionate. And I’m tired of noticing Chat GPT grammar and style of writing everywhere instead of real people.
Its not about ‘….’ Its about ‘….’ Gives it away everytime!
Peace and love xx
Hmmm…he did just host the AI Summit and the course is about to start I believe pretty soon.
I guess the AI is supposed to allow him to free up his time to do more meaningful things-like taking a road trip with his kids. And, if I understand correctly, it can be trained to “write like you”-tone, style, etc.
Personally have not yet embraced it, but definitely can see some of the purported “benefits”…
I agree with your assessments of our lack of freedom.
We are also not free to really have opinions or ideas on public that our employer may not like since we can be fired for these. Places like LinkedIn track out comments- so don’t say anything politically incorrect.
There is no real freedom of speech.