And after Brexit, we will be free to determine our economic

In the turbulent seas of history, few events stir the heart and mind as profoundly as the pursuit of freedom. Liz Truss, in her declaration, "And after Brexit, we will be free to determine our economic future, with control over our money, laws, and borders," speaks to an age-old yearning for sovereignty and independence. Her words echo the desire of nations, peoples, and individuals throughout the ages to reclaim their autonomy, to break free from the shackles of foreign influence and chart their own course. This struggle for freedom is not merely political—it is the birthright of every nation and every soul to determine its own fate, to wield control over the forces that shape its destiny.

In the ancient world, the idea of self-determination was a central tenet of the greatest empires and civilizations. Consider the Greek city-states, particularly Athens, which prized its independence and democracy. Though it was surrounded by powerful empires, Athens stood firm in its commitment to self-governance and economic control. The Athenians believed that their future lay in their own hands, and they were willing to fight for their right to determine their own laws and economic affairs. Much like Truss’ vision for the post-Brexit world, the Athenians understood that true freedom is not merely the absence of oppression, but the ability to shape the future with autonomy and self-determination.

This deep yearning for sovereignty is a theme that runs through the history of the Roman Republic, which sought to maintain its independence from foreign powers even as it expanded across the Mediterranean. The Romans fiercely protected their laws and borders, understanding that without control over these elements, the very essence of their identity as a people would be lost. Their military campaigns were often motivated not just by conquest, but by the desire to protect their sovereignty and secure their future. In this, we see a parallel to Truss’ call for a future where Britain, free from the constraints of the European Union, would regain control over its own economic destiny.

History is filled with the stories of nations that have fought to regain control over their borders and economic policies. One of the most poignant examples of this is the American Revolution, when the colonies sought to break free from the tyranny of British rule. The colonists, led by figures such as George Washington, were not merely seeking political independence—they were fighting for the right to determine their own future, to govern themselves without interference from a distant power. In the struggle for independence, the colonists embodied the very essence of Truss' vision: the desire to control their laws, money, and borders. Their victory paved the way for a new nation, founded on the principles of freedom and self-determination, and it became a beacon of hope for oppressed peoples everywhere.

Yet, as with any moment of freedom, the pursuit of sovereignty requires great sacrifice and the willingness to face uncertainty. The Brexit movement, much like the revolutions of old, was not without its challenges. The decision to leave the European Union was a bold one, and the path forward was fraught with obstacles. Britain’s relationship with the EU had long been one of interdependence, and the decision to part ways meant that Britain would have to forge a new destiny, one filled with the potential for both opportunity and difficulty. But in this struggle, there is an undeniable truth: true freedom is never handed to us. It is something that must be earned, and it is often born from the willingness to step into the unknown, to fight for a future that is shaped by our own hands.

The wisdom of the ancients teaches us that freedom is not a gift but a responsibility—a responsibility to govern ourselves with wisdom, to protect our values, and to ensure that we shape a future worthy of the struggles that brought us to this point. Sovereignty over our borders, money, and laws is not just about political control, but about preserving our identity and our right to create a future that reflects our deepest values and aspirations. Whether in the ancient world or in the modern age, the desire for self-determination remains a powerful force, one that drives nations, individuals, and movements to rise and claim their freedom.

As we reflect on the teachings of history and the example of those who fought for their independence, let us draw a lesson from the struggles of the past. The fight for freedom is not an easy one, and it is never without cost, but it is a fight that is worth pursuing. Like the great civilizations before us, we must claim our autonomy, embrace the challenges that come with self-determination, and work toward a future where we are not bound by external forces, but where we are free to build a destiny of our own making. In this way, we honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom and ensure that the future we leave behind is one of empowerment and self-governance.