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.
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288 Responses
Moving from illusion into reality is the first step to become free.
Thank you for the truth spoken.
I can feel your mission.
Wise words! Many people are becoming aware how brittle their political structure is. The Bill of Rights is being ignored, and there is no apparent mechanism to enforce them. The hard part is that the mechanics of restoring the US to the top of the list of free countries is not evident. The weakness of a two-party system is that it breeds ‘Them or Us’ thinking. Adding more political parties would allow for a ‘We’ style of thought where minorities are able to influence policy.
It’s scary watching how easy it is to turn the system over with outrageous lies and behaviour. Freedom of the Press is rapidly disappearing. The real service of an independent press is to point out falsity and misrepresentation. Without it the country becomes really vulnerable to manipulation. The country needs to start making moves now or your predicted autocracy will become the result.
I salute you Vishen for exposing the truth about what used to be the leader of the Western world. Now a bancrupt tinpot dictatorship trying to outdo similar regimes under in Russia and North Korea?
This prophetic quote is rather relevant:
“As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.” — H. L. Mencken, 1920
Vishen,
Your recent observations about America prompted me to share some factual insights that might provide additional context to the freedom discussion.
**Why America Remains the Global Destination of Choice**
The numbers tell a compelling story about revealed preferences versus survey rankings. While freedom indices place Nordic countries at the top, actual migration patterns show something different:
– The U.S. processes over 1 million new permanent residents annually – more than the next 10 countries combined
– America receives 4-5 million immigration applications yearly, compared to Norway’s approximately 30,000
– Net migration to the U.S. exceeds 1 million people annually, while Norway sees roughly 25,000
– The U.S. hosts 51 million foreign-born residents – nearly 10 times Norway’s entire population
**Economic Opportunity at Scale**
The data on economic mobility and opportunity explains much of this preference:
– U.S. median household income: $70,784 vs Norway’s $51,489 (adjusted for purchasing power)
– America creates approximately 6 million new jobs annually
– The U.S. hosts 735 of the world’s 2,000+ unicorn companies; Norway hosts 8
– American workers in equivalent positions earn 20-40% more than European counterparts after taxes
**Innovation and Entrepreneurship**
The entrepreneurial ecosystem remains unmatched:
– 73% of global venture capital flows through U.S. markets
– America produces 4x more patents per capita than the EU average
– 8 of the world’s top 10 universities are American
– The U.S. attracts 35% of global international students despite being 4% of world population
**Personal Observations from Experience**
My family’s journey mirrors millions of others – my parents escaped Romania for Canada, and I moved from Canada to America specifically for the expanded opportunities. Even with California’s current challenges, the fundamental advantages remain: unparalleled economic mobility, innovation culture, and individual agency.
**On the Firearm Discussion**
Regarding your point about AR-15s, you raise an important technical distinction that often gets overlooked in policy discussions. The AR-15 platform does indeed share fundamental operating principles with many hunting rifles – both are semi-automatic and frequently use identical .223 ammunition. As you noted, the functional differences are often minimal, with distinctions lying primarily in aesthetics and modularity rather than core firing mechanisms or capabilities.
**State-Level Competition**
Your point about governance quality is illustrated perfectly by interstate migration. Florida gained 365,000 new residents in 2023 alone, largely due to policies that attract investment and reduce regulatory burden. This internal mobility – the ability to “vote with your feet” between different governance models within one country – is a unique American advantage.
**The Nordic Model Reality**
While Nordic countries score well on freedom indices, they face significant structural challenges:
– Norway’s effective tax rate reaches 47% for middle-class earners
– Denmark has a 180% tax on car purchases
– Sweden’s wealth tax drove out entrepreneurs like IKEA’s founder
– These countries’ small, homogeneous populations (Norway: 5.4 million) make direct comparisons with America’s diverse 335 million challenging
The freedom indices you mentioned, while valuable, often weight factors like income equality and social services heavily, which may not reflect individual liberty and opportunity as many define it.
**Bottom Line**
The world continues to vote with its feet, and those feet are walking toward America. While we certainly have challenges to address, the combination of economic opportunity, individual liberty, innovation culture, and sheer scale of possibility remains unmatched globally.
Best regards,
Ray
*P.S. – Having traveled extensively through Europe and Asia myself, I appreciate what other countries offer, but haven’t found anywhere that combines America’s opportunity, freedom, and potential for individual achievement. The data suggests millions of others reach the same conclusion annually
I Appreciate this piece a lot. I would only add that freedom also necessarily means bodily autonomy.
At last! Someone is telling our American friends what they need to hear.
I would add that their current energy policy is an attack on the entire world—climate change knows no borders.
Furthermore…
I’m afraid the US is now the most dysfunctional wealthy country on earth.
Health system? Broken if you don’t have much money. What a pity; otherwise, it would be the best.
Education system? Same story—and now the higher education system, which was the best in the world (if we don’t consider its cost to students), is under attack, unprepared for such an assault, and vulnerable.
Political system? Sorry, but it’s laughable: obsolete, obviously unfair, and exposed to all kinds of manipulation.
Justice system? Rigged to favor the wealthy and white people. Vishen has already pointed out the staggering number of prisoners—and what can we say about the Supreme Court, whose majority has become nothing more than supreme courtiers?
Infrastructure? In sharp decline until the Biden administration responded, but what will remain of their efforts?
Safety? Well, this is perhaps something that isn’t changing much… unfortunately!
Environment? Suffering for a long time, and now it’s “drill, baby, drill”—let’s saw off the branch we’re sitting on!
Science? Still very strong because it reached such a high level, but it’s under attack and in sharp decline.
Freedom? Vishen has said it all.
This is a painful observation to make because there are so many wonderful people in America! And it’s such a beautiful country! How can one not love it?
I imagine most of your readers feel the same way—that America is crumbling and has been for a while. I doubt you’ll get much variety in the comments beyond, “Yup, I agree.”
Now post those same thoughts on X, and watch how wildly the responses vary. See how angry and irrational the discourse becomes. It’s terrifying to have an opinion or to point out a flaw in logic.
As an older white man born and raised in America, even I don’t feel free. I can only imagine the almost unbearable level of anxiety non-white individuals must face every day.
Thank you! Beautifully expressed.
Took my thoughts out of my head and the words out of my mouth.
Erosion and corrosion are both slow processes. We need people like you to measure the impact and warn us.
As a newly minted citizen I depend on the intelligence and compassion of the caring Americans to make this country the world leader again.
Great article. Some local observations. As a Canadian, I am very concerned about Canadian Freedoms. In the index you quoted it lists Canada with high internet freedom. Unfortunately in the last 10 years Canada has changed significantly. Several bills have passed in the house of parliament that restrict Canadian access to internet information. C11, C18 and the potential C69. All these bills have been proposed or passed to “protect” Canadians. However, if you investigate even slightly, you will see that our access to information is being controlled / restricted. Another deeply concerning series of events if the control of the media through funding. The most obvious example is the $1.6 billion CBC receives every year. In addition $100s of millions of dollars collected from companies like Google are redistributed through a board to “approved” journalistic organizations. Journalists that challenge the board view of approved views do not get funding. For true freedom, there must be room for differing points of view even if we do not like these points of view. Increasingly it is harder in Canada to access non standard views around everything from vaccination, food, or world events. Vishen you use AI extensively. If you examine Chat’s fact checking hierarchy it lists Source Weighting as a criteria of fact checking. This hierarchy is biased towards traditional news outlets (in Canada – heavily government funded), peer reviewed research (most research is now funded by drug companies and issue based non profits so can be very biased). Thanks to the AI Mastery w/e I have created my own GPT to fact check that looks deeper than these biases. I look forward to the AI Mastery Course. Many thanks for your great work
Vishen, I want to salute you for the courage, clarity and truthfulness with which you speak out. You run an organisation based in the United States, where these days you can come under attack in many different ways (funding removed from universities, degrees removed from graduates, health care removed from the sick, liberty removed from people without due process in law) if you stand up against the current government – or are just weak compared with the billionaire class whom the USA is making richer on the backs of the poor. Robin Hood in reverse. But so many people stay silent in the face of all this – lawyers, judges, newspaper editors, Columbia University – hence my salute to you for not being afraid to speak the truth. Thank you. As a Briton, I have spent my life admiring and respecting America for the wonderful things it has gifted to the world. Now people in droves around the world, especially in Europe, are being forced by events into changing their minds. It is so sad. Thank you for being a champion for truth.
Slow clap. Refreshing to see a man of your professional stature speak out. I so appreciate that you are saying something.
Thank you, Vishen, for sharing this powerful and necessary reflection. Your words stir something deep and familiar in me — the ache of loving this country not blindly, but fiercely and truthfully.
Like you, I’ve traveled these backroads, stood under flags, and felt both awe and unease. I’ve felt the sacred pulse of this land — not just in the symbols or institutions, but in the wild places, the generous strangers, the artists, the organizers, the visionaries quietly tending the soul of our nation. And I’ve also grieved the widening cracks: the illusion of freedom sold to us in glitter and slogans, while dignity and truth slip quietly through the cracks.
As a spiritual teacher and writer, I believe the dream of America still lives — but it’s evolving. She is shedding an outdated skin. The story we were given was bold, but incomplete. And now, it asks to be reimagined — not through nostalgia or denial, but through collective awakening.
Freedom, as you so beautifully named it, is not a possession. It’s a sacred responsibility. A practice. A shared song we sing when we refuse to look away — and instead, choose to build something more whole, more honest, more alive.
I echo your call: Let’s Free America.
Free her from fear, falsehoods, and corporate puppetry.
Free her from violence masquerading as rights.
Free her into something luminous, liberated, and rooted in love.
Thank you for using your platform to name the truth and point toward possibility. These conversations matter. And I’m honored to be walking this awakening path alongside others who dare to love this country enough to help it transform.
With respect and reverence,
Morningsong
sacredescapades.com
Wonderful to read this fearless article saying it like it is. Proud of you for taking a stand, Vishen 🙏🏻 Hope you are thinking about taking an active role in politics! 🙌🏻
Hello Vishen, thank you for this post (and the newsletter that has linked to your blog)!
As a Global Citizen, Humanitarian, Egalitarian, and Civilitarian, I completely agree with your thoughts on the Myth of American Freedom in this post!!! As you state “When America sneezes, the world catches a cold. And we, the rest of the world, are sick of suffering the consequences.”, I cannot agree more!
I look forward to continuing to read and learning from you and Mindvalley!
Thank you for this article Vishnen. What you share is true. I like your thoughts and vision and it is my passion to help bring in a new earth/higher consciousness which is a great starting point. We are at a great time of transition and i see great potential and possibility as all the masks fall on systems and people. The work begins within, we must first become free within to truly bring freedom without and there are a great many people including yourself doing that. We the people need to learn to self govern in order for any government to reflect that level of true democratic governance. Thank you again for your role is this dialog and world.
Your left point of view is clueless! Letting people come and go without being vetted is crazy, that’s why there is so much brutal crime. Savages animals that come from countries that it’s a way of life. Lock them up and get rid of them. What do you suggest we don’t lock them up? 20% in jails . Do the crime do the time. Being poor doesn’t give you the right to harm others. I could go on and on but you’re clueless.
Hello Blue Collar Worker,
With all due respect, your comment seems to carry more hostility than understanding. Vishen’s post isn’t about tearing anyone down — it’s about defending free speech, calling for global responsibility, and reminding us of our shared humanity.
This is a take on some realities that hopefully makes you think again:
The U.S. has only 4.1% of the world’s population, yet is involved in a disproportionate number of military conflicts. Again and again, American foreign policy has supported autocratic regimes and undermined democratic movements — not to promote freedom, but to secure economic and political dominance for corporations and elites.
From Central America to the Middle East to Southeast Asia, U.S. interventions often had more to do with oil, minerals, or trade routes than human rights. That’s not leadership — that’s modern colonialism, disguised in patriotism.
Domestically, the myth of “the richest country on Earth” hides a deeper truth. While U.S. corporations top global rankings, tens of millions of citizens lack access to basic healthcare, affordable housing, or living wages. The American Dream, once symbolizing equal opportunity and upward mobility, has become out of reach for many — especially those born into poverty, marginalized communities, or systemic injustice.
The U.S. also leads the world in incarceration rates. Not because Americans commit more crime — but because private prisons, biased laws, and a profit-driven legal system turn mass incarceration into big business. Minor offenses often lead to long sentences, feeding a cycle that punishes the poor while the wealthy walk free.
And here’s something you should never forget:
The United States itself was built on immigration — and colonization. European settlers came here seeking safety, opportunity, and freedom for their families. In the process, they decimated the Indigenous peoples who already lived on this land.
So when today’s immigrants come to the U.S. for the very same reasons — to escape war, corruption, famine, or hopelessness — they’re being demonized and turned away.
Why is it noble when it’s your ancestors, but criminal when it’s someone with darker skin or fewer resources?
What would you do if you were one of them? Wouldn’t you also risk everything for your children’s future?
You call yourself a “blue collar worker living with love and pride.” I respect that. But real pride means having the strength to question systems that exploit others — and the humility to recognize when your nation isn’t living up to its own ideals.
Vishen’s message is not anti-American. It’s pro-human. He’s speaking to a global audience about truth, justice, and awakening — and if that makes you uncomfortable, maybe it’s worth asking why.
We can’t heal the world by clinging to myths or silencing dissent. We do it by listening, learning, and standing for the dignity of all people — not just the ones who look or think like us.
Good essay and made me ponder on these things. I would like to comment on two points.
1. Learning- It is much more than censorhip. The education system has been used to brain wash.
2. Canada- I love Canada but fear there is no truth in it being included in the freedom of censorship. That’s a joke.
Unfortunately, Vishen, your essay, however well intended, is full of empty slogans, misinformation, and political bias. I see from the comments that you are preaching to the choir, and not engaging in critical thinking, as you say the public schools in the states should be. It reminds me of what has been happening to America’s Academic Institutions, where critical thinking is nowhere to be found, anti-semitism is rampant, and the Universities themselves have been bought off by Quatar and other rich Arab states (so it’s pretty rich, if not downright anti-semitic, to say the US has been bought off by the “Israel lobby”, when huge institions of America have been subsidized by Quatar and even China).
Vishen, I appreciate the work you do through Mindvalley, especially helping people see their potential and giving them the tools to achieve that potential. I also appreciate your thoughts on America. I believe it comes from a place of love. Unfortunately it comes across to me less loving than you might have intended, or it may be exactly as you intended.
You say “This isn’t about red vs. blue” but that’s not what I just read. It seems very clear what your political position is. That’s unfortunate. Unfortunate in the sense I believe your words would have had so much more power had they been apolitical.
You highlight some very real challenges that my country faces…with no easy solutions. And you talk about truth vs illusion. Whose truth? Your truth, my truth, someone else’s truth? Who is the gatekeeper for truth?
There has to be a better way for us to engage each other on these important issues.
With respect and love…
This is so true and it’s so good that you are speaking about it. But I do believe the lack of freedom in the US goes way back.
I came as an exchange student from Sweden to the US 33 years ago and I remember my neighbor asked me how it is to live in a free country now. I was puzzled. And after one year in the US I experienced a total lack of freedom compared to my life in Sweden.
I couldn’t walk to school because of the crime. I was not allowed to walk outdoor after 18.00. I was instructed not to open the door, whoever rang the bell, after 18.00. Our school had multiple drive by shootings and we had armed guards in the school. I was not allowed to spend time with my girlfriend without having the bedroom door open. I was totally blocked from world news and critical thinking for one year. The list goes on. I loved my year as an exchange student in the US but to call it a free country, even back then, is purely delusional.