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
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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.
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288 Responses
Vishen,
Sad to see that you are adding one more message of division in the global conversation. Standing for true freedom is so much more than one side being ‘right’ and one ‘wrong’. You profess that you are an evolved human, and yet your writing shows your alignment with the old consciousness. It’s another version of BS presented as a ‘truthful’ statement.
EXACTLY HOW are Vishen’s coments “another version of BS presented as a ‘truthful’ statement.?” I couldn’t fault ANY of it. I was actually AMAZED to see at least one American who had both the courage & insight to finally say it like it acyually is!
I agree with Anonymous. Vishen’s comments are well documented facts – the terrifying ICE raids, school shootings, crime are all well publicized. Not sure where Pierre is living…….
It’s not a message of division (that’s what you’re being told by the current administration who is trying to divide us)!
Vishen speaks the truth.
Maybe if the whole world starts to talk about it the Trump cult members might start to realize that what they believe is the truth is actually the ”Fake News” placating them into going along with the downfall of American democracy which is on a bullet train to Fascism.
THANK YOU VISHEN FOR THIS EYE OPENING ARTICLE. NAMASTE
You are brave for speaking up. I appreciate the fact oriented perspective. Best reading!
A professor once told me in my younger days that to travel and see your country and culture at a distance could be a very clever way to to look at the world. I learned a lot that way!
We’re working on it, and have a lot of work to do.
– “Freedom from fear” – Yup, improving policing, minimizing drugs, deporting criminals.
– “Freedom to learn truthfully” – This is on the individual, propaganda is everwhere, everywhen all at once
– “Freedom to vote” – Out voter turnout is higher than it’s ever been. Gerymandering is +10 Democrat, probably unfixable
– “Freedon of thought” – On the individual, solvable if you want, otherwise you have been and will always be a sheeple
– “Freedom online” – Working on eliminating the censorship, good start …
– “Freedom to rise – together” – America has one of the best track records here, work = succeed
– “Freedom from war” – We’re stopping wars instead of starting them now.
Clearly a MAGA nut
Vishen,
Thanks for sharing this perspective. There so many masks and mirrors clouding our view of reality. The polarization is magnified by the media and government is mostly not for people but profit.
As we evolve as a civilization, I encourage all to:
-Stop watching the news that is powering the division.
-Breaking habits like labeling people as red and blue and good and bad.
– Remove judgement of others views. Instead, try listening to expand your perspective.
– Practice more self-care. Walks in parks, Massages, Mindfulness and breathing techniques all help center us to reduce reactivity.
– It is Proven that Energy spreads through thoughts, words, actions. Kind words and thoughtful actions are medicine for our ails.
– Practicing Compassion is a great way to help your world. Sending prayers of peace and prosperity to all is helping our collective vibe.
– Be brave enough to let go of paradigms and help build a new way, where we can co-exist in comfort and true freedom.
Sending big, unconditional love hugs to Vishen, family and all here.
Love this ♥️
This is one of the best emails I have received in years and it touches on a point that looms over all of us like a Damocles sword.
My approach is to have a “Plan B” – to live a location independent lifestyle to allow myself to roam to countries that do not have oppression and where people can live in fact in a free fashion.
There are many things to consider the political aspect is only one of them. Financial aspects, taxes and the looming CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currencies); the predominant religion, culture, and etc. all this matters in this regards. For me Bitcoin is one of such options to have as Plan B. Other options such as having residency in different countries to keep things afloat is another aspect of Plan B.
In any case, I am not subscribing to a doomsday hypothesis!
I just want to keep my freedom and allow myself to have opportunities. We remember in the pandemic, for instance, some countries started discussions and prepared laws for MANDATORY VACCINATIONS. That and other aspects as mentioned in the blog above are the reasons why I think we need to keep an open mind, build places for “refuge” to safeguard our community and start opening our eyes for exactly those looming threats.
I think it is essential to think and put relevant escape routes into place to shelter from dictation, autocratic and other forces that threaten our freedom.
There are many projects I’ve learned about that are working on such developments like Plumia, Liberland, and others. Personally I also work on community buildings / living spaces to allow our closest communities to prosper in countries that do still offer a freedom – like in the Balkan area, for instance.
Yours truly, Uwe
https://www.linkedin.com/in/uweallg/
Vishen I love that you have attempted to bring together so many failing parts of our planet 🌍 🌎. The USA is a leading example and definitely worth watching.
Your piece has raised my own thinking and I see the 3 most significant issues affecting all mankind today are:
– abuse of the concept/construct of freedom by self and others driven by ignorance and fear.
– racism (again driven by ignorance and fear), and
– corporate greed (opportunistic misuse of people’s ignorance and fear).
The world needs to collectively smarten up if it is to survive.
I agree with taking position as something so bad as war happens all over the world, and what is going on in Israel/Palestine.
I hear the “scream” of calling justice in USA but (even if I don’t like the word “but”)….. isn’t here something bigger missing? How were – and still are – the Americans? What about all the Native that has been pushed away, killed, raped, and ultimately put in reservations? What about them story in the books at schools? To make it short: what about them freedom? Still, nowadays; I’ve learned that if you want to change the outside you should first change the inside. And that counts for a land too, including the people that was there in the place called now America and that deserves to be seen. Love to all 💖
Vishen,
I will write in my slovenian language becouse I can express myself better 🙏⭐️!
Hvala, thank you, for your letter, for your open heart!
Hvala za tvoje razmisleke, tako zelo potrebujemo odprta srca in um.
Sem profesionalna slovenska igralka ( Sng Drama Ljubljana ) , pisateljica, voditeljica talk showa, pogovorne oddaje na slovenski televiziji, kjer velikokrat gostim tudi tuje in domače duhovne voditelje in mojstre. Pogrešam odprta in jasna mnenja o svetu, mnogi ljudje, ki se ukvarjajo z duhovno rastjo verjamejo v teorije zarote, delijo in strašijo ljudi, ki jim sledijo. Takšno manipulacijo težko gledam.
6 let sem delala pogovorno oddajo na Nacionalni slovenski televiziji, dokler me ni pred 4 leti nazadnjaška politika odstavila in mi vzela oddajo. Ki je bila res gledana, ki je imela velik vpliv in je veljala za “ break thruth”.
Gostila sem med drugim N.D. Walscha, S. Applewhite, Nicka Vujicica, Katie Byron…
Zdaj delam na manjši privatni televiziji, ki je neodvisna.
Bila bi počaščena, če bi bil moj gost.
Upam, da se moje vabilo ne bo izgubilo v morju mnenj.
Poskušam in se trudim, vem, da bi mojemu majhnemu narodu veliko pomenilo, da nas obiščeš, tudi tvoji čudoviti Mindwalley!
Hvala za pozornost!
Zvezdana Mlakar from Slovenia
Spoštovana Zvezdana!
Super ste, sem vas spremljala 🙂 Ko pride Vishen v vašo oddajo, bi prosim sedela v prvi vrsti 😉 To je človek, ki bi ga rada začutila v živo.
Želim vam vse dobro na vaši neustrašni in sončni poti in vas prijazno pozdravljam.
Tamara
Dear Vishen, I absolutely love what you and your team have created. The contributions by the many great minds enhances your service to humanity. I do however see a blinkered approach to world events and a “mainstream media is right” theme. I am alarmed that a man of your wisdom and intellegence could not see what murica is. Many regime changes around the world was and continues to be sponsored by murica and many African leaders have met their demise at the hands of the CIA and other murican agencies. The conflicts around the world are caused by greed from one nation that does not like the idea of others being prosperous and abundant. America First is a F you (everybody that is not a white, male born from immigrants to murica) The marketing/PR job the usa has done on the world is scary- Thanks to Hollywood. Fortunately there is Mindvalley and other platforms that are helping to shift the mindset of the masses towards inclussion and acceptance. This unfortunately is not happening in the place that needs it most. The world is watching the decline of the empire and see it as the remedy to solve the world’s problems. Unfortunately they won’t go down alone and if all else fails they will “light up” the world the only way they know how.
I am a European living in California, and I’m almost halfway in the sense that I lived in the US as many years as I did in Europe. So I can follow both perspectives.
Sure, compared to Europe the US seems to be heading in a direction under the new administration in certain areas that, let’s say, is frowned upon in Europe. And that is what your article covers mostly. But let’s look at the other side, too.
The USA is a still relatively young nation that likes to try and experiment and experience. Because that process has always moved us forward. That’s why so many things started here, for example many technological advances. But a large portion of the population got tired of the same old politics and voted for a big change. That change is now underway; some will be good, some not so good. Our advancement is not a linear trajectory, but one of ups and down. And we don’t always know if our next action will result in an up or a down, that’s why it is all experimental. But we’ll keep the good, and at some point, get over & repair the bad, and move on. Re-inventing, adjusting, changing, never giving up, especially not giving up the dream.
I’m so surprised by your antisemitic approach to Israel. It seems like you are taken by fake news too. Aren’t you bothered by Qatar (a terror supporting and promoting country) funding and infiltrating academic and other institutions. Aren’t you bothered by jihadists aggression and massacres against innocent people in Syria, in Israel, in Africa and other places? Aren’t you deeply concerned about woke agenda that is taking the interpretation of freedom to a sick place? This should bother you as a thinker and as a parent. Your influence should be directed to causing good rather than fueling hate and parroting propaganda. A real shame in my opinion
Edith I don’t share your view that there was something anti-Semitic in Vishen’s words.
I do however appreciate we are all able to voice an opinion on this platform.
To me this piece screams at the need for the USA and many other nations to do better for their country’s people and for humanity.
So right away you are labeling him as antisemitic. How pathetic, you simply can’t take the words “free Gaza, free Palestine” .. Yes! – we support their freedom, not because we are antisemites, but because we do not support the ongoing slaughter of innocent people carried out by your government and IDF. Arabs, Jews, fair color people, dark, it does not matter, humanity stands with the oppressed, not with occupiers! Aren’t you bothered or concerned about the way you talk (or choose not to talk) about what’s happening in Gaza? Isn’t it troubling, there is no remorse in the feelings of random Jews, …oh the children? they are the future terrorists; the godmother of settlers, Mrs.Weiss, not able to express a concern towards the suffering of Palestinian children .. ‘just tell the parents not to teach them to hate the Jews’ etc. With this logic, one could say that it would have been right and ok to bomb or erase the whole german population (and all collaborators of the Nazis) after what they perpetrated during the Holocaust! What kind of world do you wish to live in? -in this circle of violence, just let them be, and accept the fact that they were part of that piece of land you desperately seek and want to own. Give them freedom. Let them be
USA was never ‘The land of the free! It’s a lie! This country is build by slaves on ‘stolen land’ by genocidal colonisers! Same for most countries throughout North and South America and the Islands that surround it. I find it quite remarkable that your epiphany comes so late in your life since your roots are from a country that has been brutally colonised as well. Beside Puerto Rico you also forgot to mention Hawaii that’s also been colonised by the USA. And please don’t use European countries as an example for good behaviour compared to the USA. Denmark, Netherlands and France also still have colonies. Furthermore according to the **SOMO (Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations) report**, the **European Union (EU) is confirmed as Israel’s largest investor**, surpassing the United States. The Netherlands alone accounts for **€49–50 billion** (two-thirds of the EU total), making it the world’s largest single investor in Israel—even exceeding the U.S. This is partly due to the Netherlands’ role as a tax conduit, though only 12% is attributed to “letterbox companies”. Altogether I find that this topic here is only scratching the surface of what historically has happened in the US (and globally) and not connecting the dots to the current situation.
Hi Vishen,
My concern is the countries you listed as free. I’m sure they once were. Years of mass migration and government restrictions have eroded most countries freedoms.
Don’t use Australia as an example. We have so much government overreach. We are heading down the slide with all the other countries.
I wholeheartedly agree with you Vishen. I am an expat living in Canada ( which is not perfect BTW). The way to get back to freedom is through heart minded awareness and open minded people who can think for themselves.
We are all responsible for each others wellness and well-being on this planet.
Can we create a better America,Canada or any country without conscious intention & awareness?
To paraphrase a former president “Yes we can!”
It will take work ,tenacity
& determination, intention & integrity.
We can & will do it for our children & grandchildren because it’s the right thing to do.
This is very profound and how the rest of the world and some of us in the States feel. We’ve been asking for 80 years how the Germans let Hitler do what he did. We’re watching it happen…slowly, making excuses for why it’s okay, just as long as I’m not being directly impacted. A little more freedoms taken, more quieting if the press and those who speak out against the atrocities. Sprinkled with enough fear to keep good, resonable people quiet. Turn their back and their eyes and believe those people deserve it…until we’re those people and there’s no one there for us.
Thank you Vishen – all good points. We though should not forget how the USA has been built and became the way it is now – colonised and “freed” from native population. And this “colonisation” approach still applies with all its “good intentions” across the globe. It is deeply rooted in human nature and this is why Mindvalley is so important to pave the way for mankind’s evolution into free and fair future.
Hi Vishen
A combat vet for Vietnam. I was a career naval officer. I thought I was fighting for the kind of freedom you’re talking about. Back then, because of a near death, I was able to see that we were the enemy not liberator. And I realized we were there for power and money. Your comments are beautiful, powerful, and 100% accurate.
I don’t think Americans realize that we lost World War II. We defeated Hitler and the Japanese but after Roosevelt died the American Nazis took over the Truman administration. Govi doll, who was there observing it in the administration, has written articles about it. Since it’s all been downhill. I’m not gonna to bore you with all the details.
I have a friend, student, client whose father was a real estate developer in New York when Trump was starting. He used to answer the phone and it would be Trump calling his father. His father told him that trump had already been chosen to become president. Trump’s father was a very dedicated Nazi.
Vishen,
I was a fan and member of Mindvalley, inspired by your teachings. But your recent post felt like a left-leaning political lecture, not the growth I signed up for. You say it’s not about red or blue, yet you made it political. Your own lessons call for personal responsibility and love, not hate or bias—this missed that mark. I’m disappointed and stepping away from Mindvalley. Look at the division you have created!
Wishing you well,
Thanks – will address your comment in an upcoming video.
One of the more annoying things about entertainment these days is the agendas that TV and movie companies push into our homes. Whether it be political or social they want to get you onboard with their moral compass or ways of thinking. I loved that MindValley was a place of exploration and learning. It always felt loving and nourishing. I never thought it would be used by the founder as a platform to push agendas and personal views via emails to its members.
There are plenty of social media platforms that you can post your feelings on for personal use, and if you so feel inclined, you should do so. People can choose to follow you if they want to read about your views. But when I see an email from MindValley, I usually think it’s about something going on with MindValley and make an effort to open up those emails. Please don’t take advantage of that.