The essay “Man Is Born Free, but Everywhere He Is in Chains” is featured in the PMS Punjab 2022 essay paper and has been published on CSSPrepForum after thorough evaluation by Sir Syed Kazim Ali – Pakistan’s most distinguished CSS and PMS English essay mentor – renowned for his students’ exceptional success. This insightful essay explores how societal, economic, and legal constraints on human freedom can create order or stifle individual will. Moreover, it argues for balancing necessary restrictions and personal liberties to nurture a just society. Considering the significance of this essay, Sir Kazim ensured the publication of this perspective in essay form so that aspirants can benefit from it.

A Concise Overview of the Essay

The essay “Man is Born Free But Everywhere He is in Chains” deeply analyzes the paradox of human freedom and societal constraints, drawing inspiration from Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Social Contract Theory. It highlights that while individuals are inherently free at birth, various social, economic, and political “chains” inevitably restrict this freedom as they move further in their lives.

At birth, humans possess an innate sense of freedom unbound by societal norms or obligations. However, as individuals mature, they encounter numerous constraints that limit their autonomy. These constraints manifest in various forms, such as pursuing basic necessities, societal expectations, and legal obligations. The essay emphasizes that while these “chains” are inescapable, achieving a balanced approach is essential to lead a righteous and fulfilling life.

Moreover, Rousseau’s Social Contract Theory is a foundational backdrop for this discussion. Rousseau argued that although man is born free, the structures of society impose restrictions that bind him. To coexist harmoniously, individuals collectively agree to specific rules and norms by forming a social contract that, while limiting absolute freedom, must ensure order and mutual benefit. This contract reflects the transition from natural freedom to a structured society where rights and duties are delineated.

Stepping ahead, the essay discusses that freedom, in its essence, is the ability to think, speak, and act according to one’s own will. Conversely, slavery denotes a condition where an individual’s autonomy is dominated by another, whether mentally, physically, or emotionally. So, the essay explores how the intrinsic freedom of individuals is compromised by various factors.

• Economic Pressures: The relentless pursuit of basic necessities and the desire for elevated living standards often compel individuals to conform to demanding work environments, thereby limiting personal freedom.
• Societal Inequalities: Further, deep-seated disparities based on class, ethnicity, or gender can restrict human access to opportunities, perpetuating cycles of dependence and subjugation.

Some other similar points are also discussed in the essay in detail. And the essay further examines the dual nature of these “chains,” acknowledging their positive and negative impacts on human life.

1-Positive Impacts

While discussing the positive impacts of these “chains, ” the essay highlights those legal frameworks play a crucial role in maintaining order as they serve as deterrents against harmful behaviors, which guide individuals toward ethical conduct and safeguard societal harmony. Furthermore, spirituality provides a deep sense of purpose and self-realization, allowing individuals to achieve inner peace and moral integrity through religious or philosophical principles. In addition, relationships with family and friends, though demanding certain compromises, significantly enrich human life by offering emotional support, love, and a deep sense of belonging. Thus, while these “chains” may impose certain restrictions, they also contribute positively to individual and societal well-being.

2-Negative Impacts

Moving forward, the essay also discusses the negative impacts of these “chains,” highlighting how they can hinder personal and collective progress. To start with, economic struggles create a relentless pursuit of financial stability, which often leads to immense stress and a diminished quality of life as individuals prioritize mere survival over personal fulfillment. Moreover, aggressive nationalism, when taken to extremes, fosters an exclusionary mindset that can breed xenophobia and conflict, ultimately disrupting global peace and mutual understanding. In addition, competitive pressures in a hyper-competitive environment may push individuals toward unethical behaviors, which gradually erodes communal bonds and fuels societal discord. Therefore, while some restrictions are necessary for order, unchecked societal constraints can lead to profound challenges that must be addressed.

However, to navigate and balance these inherent “chains,” the essay proposes several strategies.

• First, encouraging cooperation over competition can lead to shared success and mutual support, reducing individual burdens.
• Second, implementing policies that bridge socioeconomic divides can empower marginalized groups, promoting equity and freedom.
• Finally, cultivating critical thinking, along with many other viable strategies, enables individuals to make informed choices and resist undue societal pressures.

In its critical analysis, the essay stresses the necessity of recognizing and understanding the multifaceted “chains” that bind individuals. While some constraints are essential for societal cohesion, others may be challenged and reformed. So, achieving a harmonious balance between personal freedom and societal obligations is imperative for individual fulfillment and collective progress.

In conclusion, while humans are endowed with innate freedom, the realities of societal existence introduce various constraints. By critically assessing and addressing these “chains,” individuals and societies can work towards a more equitable and liberated existence where freedom and responsibility coexist harmoniously.

What Makes the CPF Website Stand Out?

For any CSS or PMS aspirant, mastering essay writing is not merely a requirement but the defining factor between success and failure. Yet, despite the growing number of online resources, most students find themselves lost in a maze of poorly structured, outdated, and generic essays that do little to prepare them for the exam. This is where CSSPrepForum (CPF) emerges as a beacon of excellence, setting itself apart as Pakistan’s most trusted and result-driven platform for competitive essay writing.

What truly makes CPF unique is its unparalleled standard of essay guidance. While other platforms provide randomly written and often subpar essays, CPF delivers well-researched, examiner-focused content carefully crafted by Sir Kazim’s CSS-qualified students, who have successfully navigated these exams. Each essay undergoes a meticulous evaluation process, which ensures it meets the strict criteria of competitive examiners. Hence, no other website in Pakistan offers this level of quality assurance.

However, CPF is not just about providing essays but about empowering students with the tools to write like professionals. Many aspirants make the mistake of memorizing essays, hoping to replicate them in exams, but true success lies in mastering the techniques of logical argumentation, critical thinking, and structured writing. And CPF bridges this gap by offering in-depth guidance; writing strategies; and practical insights that transform students’ writing skills from average to exceptional.

Furthermore, CPF differs from other CSS preparation websites’ commitment to innovation and relevance. While most platforms recycle the same outdated content year after year, CPF stays ahead by constantly updating its essays, past paper solutions, and writing techniques to align with the latest exam trends. This ensures that students are always equipped with the most up-to-date and effective preparation strategies.

Beyond essays, CPF provides a complete learning experience, which offers solved past papers and structured study plans that cover every aspect of CSS and PMS exam preparation. Thus, this holistic approach eliminates confusion and uncertainty, which allows students to focus on what truly matters – achieving top scores.

Lastly, the success stories of CPF students speak for themselves. Many aspirants who followed CPF’s methodology have cleared and excelled in their exams. This is because CPF is more than just a website: it is a trusted mentor, a roadmap to success, and the only platform in Pakistan that truly understands what it takes to conquer competitive exams. If you aim for academic excellence and guaranteed results, CPF is the ultimate destination to turn your aspirations into achievements.

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