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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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.
288 Responses
Thank you Vishen for posting truth backed by statistics to expose the lies we are propogandized to believe . These stats are a sad but true reality. Land of the free is a myth and it is getting worse by the day. Thank you for using your voice and platform to discuss these crutial matters.
Vishen, in my view you are absolutely correct in your views or assesment. Where we might have different ideas or expectations, is in the fact that (in my view) that the “typical American” doesn’t care !!
And why this ? Lack of (as you state it) capacity for critical thinking … which is the result or REAL EDUCATION (i.e. provide individuals with tools for thinking, learning, etc).
Whereas (not just in the US) the so called current education is simply a combination of training in certain disciplines, and be “configurated” into an amorphous non-thinking entity.
And to change this, in addition to real leaders, a minimum of one generation is required.
Best
Interesting and surprising article :). But it might be missing some other core freedom components. How about also adding:
1. Free America from cancel culture which is destroying our ability to find the truth and find common grounds
2. Free America from victimhood syndrome which is constantly pointing the finger at others – the “other” lobbyists, the “other” capitalists, the “other” party instead of looking inwards and asking – where can I do better and how do I make myself stronger too
3. Free America from ingratitude: how about we first start with feeling grateful for being no 17 which is far from the 100+ many of us came from. And then put in the effort to making it no 1.
4. Free America from superiority complex – how about we remember where we started from: a country where even not too long ago people where openly laughing at gay jokes and ogling at high school girls, before being outraged at someone who still does that – lend a hand to help them cross over the way we did instead of pushing them even further away. Also, how about we remember that colonialism and slavery were not done by any one race or color but was a shared product of the world at the time and racism too is not limited to any one race/color right now but rather exists everywhere.
5. Free America from polarized thinking: history is complex, people are complex. Every Frankenstein is created by society. Every evil might be fighting another evil. We are living in social media bubbles unfortunately, filled with echo chambers, where truth is a needle within a haystack of lies
6. Free America from the “should-be” outrage: Let’s start with accepting what is, the light and the shadows, be grateful for them both, and work on expanding our light.
That said I do agree with many of the points you made. But loss of freedom is coming from all sides. And although I’m here writing an intellectual response right now, I don’t think intellectual debates can help shift perspectives. People enter debates, and even watch debates, with their minds made up. We are where are, not only in USA but all over the world because people are suffering. As Covid showed – it doesn’t matter who sneezes where, we all die. The only antidote is love and compassion. Nothing but love can heal the deep-seated trauma we have created worldwide.
I approve of your additional comments. I am a Canadian. I am shocked at what is happening in the United States.
I totally agree with you!
This is where your left of center AI shows it’s stuff. I appreciate your opinions, and even that of your AI. But, there are many facts that you quoted frankly I can’t agree with. Yes, America needs improvements. Every country does. However, your AI is more left than center in my opinion. Still I really appreciate your leadership and putting yourself out there.
This is not about left or right of AI, it’s fact. That is the problem. Facts don’t seem to matter anymore to millions.
Speaking truth to power is the only way.
Completely agree 100%! And I say this as a non American but whose country is so heavily influenced by what happens across the pond. It’s seems we in the ‘civilised’ west have lost all civility and indeed autonomy. It makes me laugh when the kids in school as are asked to write a critical essay when we in fact have obstructed every form of critical thinking and have become a people of ‘one way or the high way’. Everything seems so diametrically opposed that the middle ground no longer exists. Here’s to sane and voices of reason getting louder.
Vishen, thank you very much for your thorough and excellent analysis which I think is highly valuable for maintaining an objective position during the current time where false news even on freedom are abundant. Very much appreciated.
Thank you so much for stating this. I have found many thought-leaders do not want to alienate their “customer” base and so they attempt to appear neutral. I am sure this took courage to write. For me though, as a long time consumer of MindValley, I am now more likely to turn to your content.
Well said Vishen !!
Christine, UK
Interesting and surprising article :). But it might be missing some other core freedom components. How about also adding:
1. Free America from cancel culture which is destroying our ability to find the truth and find common grounds
2. Free America from victimhood syndrome which is constantly pointing the finger at others – the “other” lobbyists, the “other” capitalists instead of looking inwards and asking – where can I do better and how do I make myself stronger too
3. Free America from ingratitude: how about we first start with feeling grateful for being no 17 which is far from the 100+ many of us came from. And then put in the effort to making it no 1.
4. Free America from superiority complex – how about we remember where we started from: a country where even not too long ago people where openly laughing at gay jokes and ogling at high school girls, before being outraged at someone who still does that – lend a hand to help them cross over the way we did instead of pushing them even further away. Also, how about we remember that colonialism and slavery were not done by any one race or color but was a shared product of the world at the time and racism too is not limited to any one race/color right now but rather exists in everywhere.
5. Free America from polarized thinking: history is complex, people are complex. Every Frankenstein is created by society. Every evil might be fighting another evil. We are living in social media bubbles unfortunately, filled with falsehoods and echo chambers.
6. Free America from the “should-be” outrage: Let’s start with accepting what is, the light and the shadows, be grateful for them both, and work on expanding our light.
This! The way forward. Thank you for this. “..help them cross over.” Beautiful.
Yesss I totally agree.
#Free_Palestine
Vishen, thanks for sharing your thoughts, they are so true, unfortunately! So many things people don’t think of enough and let others decide. Hopefully there’s still hope for American Democracy!
We are living a really hard time, we don’t have any idea of the consequencies of so many changes in the daily life of a human being after a massive exposure to screen, increase of hedonism and narcisism with social media and finally AI. Everything is happen so fast. May God bless us to keep running until the end….
Yes it is so true. You write my mind Vishen. It’s a sad story and hope it will come to an end.
Thank you Vishen, for once again bringing to light a difficult subject. It is challenging to know which thread to pull, where to begin. So I begin here: what do I want- for the present & the future, for all beings, and to include all that is non-human? Let’s start with the foundations: that all are fed, clothed & housed. That there is enough stability in the World to not be killing each other in endless wars; that our cultural histories are acknowledged & even allowed; that we honor our collective histories even if it reveals uncomfortable truths in the hopes that we can evolve beyond dark historical events and enter a new day where we truly work collaboratively to solve big problems. And here is where I feel it gets tricky. Do we act out of fear and division and therefore blame ‘the Other’…do we distract ourselves from what is actually taking place…or do recognize that there really is a huge Shift taking place, which requires our full attention, and be inspired to do our best to achieve social/economic/environmental justice? Can Humans rise to achieve our fullest potential? Is that in gaining vast sums of money, and in so doing do we exchange ‘wealth’ for connection with each other & this beautiful planet where we physically exist? Do we allow ‘innovation’ to overtake everything else? Do we sacrifice the future because of an un-relenting desire for ‘more’? Does our collective humanity stop at some lines drawn on a piece of paper? We have not begun to see the enormity of migration due to climate change. Can we step back a moment in our thinking to fathom this? I joined Mindvalley because I had been introduced to the Silva Method 55 years ago, by a friend’s mother, and it has been part of my Life ever since…and it is incredibly useful to help stay calm & centered & focused in the midst of turmoil. And sometimes I am irritated by the promotion of ‘the Abundance Mindset’…because it seems mostly to feed the insatiable self-centered desire for ‘more’, rather than to truly develop gratefulness. If ‘more’ can be about caring, curiosity, serving those who truly don’t have even the basics: then I say ‘bravo’. Vishen, you are a huge promoter of AI…do you question what is about to happen with AGI? Do you see ‘the Deep Fakes’ that are just barely beginning…but will undermine Truth & Fact like an atomic weapon?While the USA may exemplify the crumbling of some grand ideals to aspire to: the contraction is worldwide. And it is always the already under-served who will suffer most. Self-empowerment is good- to a point. At a certain point it is time to act. Because in the end what is really important is not the luxury lifestyle but the deep loving connections, human to human, human with our animal friends, our acknowledgement of a past connected to future generations with clean water, clean air, clean food. may be we inspired to co-create this
Incredibly well written and thought out and I could totally dive deeper into each topic.
I am glad you toured a bit of rural America. Every city I have lived in has had the most incredible people. It is the communities that come together in times of crisis, neighbors helping neighbors. We are still sleeping in our guest bedroom three years after hurricane Ian. We have full insurance but insurance companies do not pay nor does Fema. We have endured two hurricanes since but we live in such a fantastic community with the best neighbors and that far outweighs what some might consider a “perfect” home. It is perfect for us!
What I really want to focus on though is your thoughts on American food.
My fiance was diagnosed with a form of autoimmune disease in 2020. He would have bouts of extreme fevers and then his body would be ice cold. Sometimes he couldn’t get out of bed for weeks. I have always been a believer in herbs and with what we thought was proper nutrition and supplements the attacks became fewer but they still came. He gave up cola’s and found some great alternatives. We stopped buying any bread and cereal with folic acid in it, we are fortunate to have a European market across the street that bakes bread daily. I stopped drinking California wines (my favorite) and only drink European wines now. We shop at our local farmers market for vegetables and food to table farms for our meat. Don’t even get us started on food colorings! We are foodies and this has been an interesting five year journey! I will turn 60 next month and I have never felt better and I am over the moon excited that my fiance has not been sick in over a year! Shame on America food companies.
What an excellent message, Vishen.
Well written, Powerful, honest, and deeply needed. Thank you for speaking truth with such clarity and courage. You remind us that freedom isn’t a flag — it’s agency, dignity, and the courage to question what we’ve accepted for too long.
By the way, my son Yousuf says hello — he met you at Stanford with your son and was so pleased. And of course, I’ve been a fan of your work for years. Keep inspiring.
With respect,
Ibrahim
This is brave and truthful. And this core values are something to reclaim in all democracies to keep them alive, also in Europe. Thanks for the post.
Seriously, it doesn’t make sense for a convicted felon to run for political office, let alone the presidency. Every country except USA has universal healthcare. I am now in my 70s, and I am really angry that our government has no desire to represent the citizens of this country. We are not who we claim to be. Not even close.
Thank God! One American speaking who can face at least part of the truth about the current state of your own country with (apparently) some the strength & maturity required.
Without crying “Lefty” (so what) and “unpatriotic” (it isn’t NECESSARILY.)
Vishen, your words struck me to the core. I’m a 58 year old woman who has always thought America was the best country in the world. But slowly I think we’ve let complacency get the best of us. A growth mindset doesn’t let us rest on our laurels. I fully stand with you in demanding that we reclaim our freedoms that were so hardly fought for. Thank you for speaking truth to power!