Every tyrant who has lived has believed in freedom for himself.

Opening Scene – Narrated by Host
The café was quiet, with only the soft hum of background conversations and the occasional clink of coffee mugs. Jack sat at a small table near the window, his coffee barely touched as his mind seemed preoccupied with deeper thoughts. The afternoon light filled the room, casting soft shadows that seemed to match the contemplation unfolding in Jack’s thoughts. He was reflecting on power, control, and what freedom truly means in the world we live in.

Across from him, Jeeny noticed the shift in Jack’s expression, the way his brow furrowed as if he were wrestling with an idea. She decided it was time to introduce a thought, something that might help bring clarity to what he was considering—something about freedom, power, and the way these concepts are often distorted by those who seek control.

Host: The gentle murmur of the café was barely audible as Jeeny’s voice broke through, inviting Jack to explore a deeper reflection. The topic was about to move from personal contemplation to a larger exploration of freedom and the inherent contradictions of power.

Character Descriptions
Jack
In his early 30s, Jack was someone who frequently questioned the nature of authority and freedom. His grey eyes held a deep curiosity, always seeking to understand the deeper forces at play in the world around him. Jack appreciated freedom, but he also wondered how it could be manipulated and twisted by those in power. His voice was steady, but there was a quiet tension as he wrestled with the paradoxes of power and liberty.

Jeeny
Late 20s, Jeeny had a natural ability to read between the lines. Her dark eyes were observant, always picking up on nuances that others might miss. She had a deep understanding of how freedom and control were often intertwined, and she believed that true freedom required a balance—something often misunderstood by those in power. Her voice was calm but firm, guiding Jack to reflect on the complexities of authority, power, and liberty.

Host
The silent observer, attuned to the subtle dynamics of the conversation. The Host understood that sometimes the most profound insights came when people reflected on the deeper layers of freedom and power—especially the contradictions inherent in the way these concepts are wielded by those in control. Today, Jack and Jeeny were about to explore how freedom, when corrupted, can be used as a tool of oppression.

Main Debate

Jeeny: She leaned forward slightly, her voice measured but thoughtful. “Jack, I came across a quote by Elbert Hubbard that really made me think. He said, ‘Every tyrant who has lived has believed in freedom for himself.’ What do you think of that?”

Jack: He looked up, a subtle frown crossing his face as he processed her words. “That’s a striking quote. It seems like Hubbard is pointing out a contradiction in those who wield power. It’s like they define freedom for themselves, but they take it away from others. They believe in their own liberty but deny it to the very people they govern. It’s an irony of power.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. A tyrant can never truly understand freedom for others, because their view of it is always self-serving. They believe in freedom as long as it suits their interests, but they often impose control and restriction on others to maintain their position. The freedom they seek is exclusive, meant only for themselves or those who support them. It’s a twisted version of liberty.”

Jack: “It’s interesting because we often think of tyrants as people who are fundamentally against freedom, but Hubbard’s point makes me realize that they actually believe in freedom. They just redefine it—freedom for themselves, not for everyone. They frame it as a right, but the moment anyone challenges their authority, they strip that same right away from others.”

Jeeny: “Yes, and that’s where the danger lies. When someone in power believes their freedom is above others, they create a system where only their version of freedom is allowed. They convince themselves that their control is justified, because they’ve equated their own freedom with order, with stability. But in reality, they’re using their power to undermine the very essence of freedom for others.”

Host: The energy in the café seemed to shift as the conversation unfolded. The paradox of freedom, as both a tool for empowerment and a means of control, was becoming clearer. Jack’s expression softened as the realization set in—how easy it is for those in power to distort the meaning of freedom for their own benefit.

Jack: “I think I’ve always looked at freedom as something simple—something that means we can do what we want without restriction. But what I’m realizing is that freedom is a concept that’s shaped by those in power. It’s not just about personal liberty; it’s about how that freedom can be manipulated to serve those who already have control.”

Climax and Reconciliation

Jeeny: “Exactly. And that’s the irony. Tyrants often believe in freedom, but they only believe in it for themselves. The way they wield power makes them blind to the freedoms of others. They use freedom as a tool of manipulation, something to justify their actions. But true freedom is the opposite of that—it’s about the freedom of all people, not just the few who are in power.”

Jack: “I think I understand now. It’s not just about wanting freedom—it’s about how we define it. Tyrants may believe they’re fighting for freedom, but in reality, they’re creating a system where only their freedom matters. True freedom, though, isn’t about exclusion. It’s about inclusion, fairness, and equality for all.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Real freedom comes when everyone has a voice, when everyone is allowed to be free from oppression. And that’s why it’s so important to challenge systems that define freedom as a privilege for some and a denial for others. Freedom, in its truest form, can’t be restricted to just one group—it’s for everyone.”

Host: The light in the café seemed to soften as Jack absorbed the deeper meaning of the conversation. The realization that freedom could be manipulated by those in power, and how they redefined it for themselves while denying it to others, had shifted his perspective. It was clear that true freedom wasn’t just about individual liberty—it was about the freedom of all, the shared experience of empowerment, equality, and justice.

Outside, the world continued, but inside the café, Jack had come to understand that freedom was not a concept to be claimed by a few, but a right to be extended to everyone, without limitation. True freedom required a commitment to equality, and the recognition that all people deserve the same rights, no matter who holds power.