None who have always been free can understand the terrible

Host: The room feels reflective, as Jack and Jeeny sit across from each other, processing the deep meaning behind Pearl S. Buck’s words. Her quote speaks to the contrast between those who have always had freedom and those who have never known it, and the powerful longing for freedom that can shape a person’s life.

Jack: “Pearl S. Buck said, ‘None who have always been free can understand the terrible fascinating power of the hope of freedom to those who are not free.’” He repeats the words thoughtfully, letting their depth settle. “It’s a profound statement, isn’t it? The idea that freedom is something so deeply valued by those who have never had it, yet it can be hard for those who have always known freedom to fully understand that longing.” He looks at Jeeny, curious. “What do you think? Why do you think that hope for freedom holds such power for those who have never experienced it?”

Jeeny: “I think it’s because freedom is not just a physical state, but an emotional and psychological one. When you’re deprived of freedom — whether it's freedom of thought, expression, or movement — it creates a deep yearning. It becomes more than just a desire for independence; it becomes a fundamental need, an essential part of human dignity. For those who’ve always had freedom, it’s hard to comprehend how much a person can be driven by the mere hope of achieving it.” Her voice is gentle, filled with empathy for those who long for freedom. “Freedom, when you’ve never experienced it, becomes a dream so powerful that it can fuel entire movements, shape destinies, and give people the strength to endure unimaginable hardship.”

Jack: “It’s almost like the absence of freedom makes the idea of it even more irresistible. For those who have never known it, the mere hope of freedom becomes something they can’t live without. It’s not just a physical goal; it becomes a symbol of everything they long for — a life of self-determination, a chance to speak, to move, to live without constraints. And that hope, that dream, is what keeps them going.” He pauses, reflecting on how longing for something can often shape people more than having it. “For those who have always had freedom, it’s easy to take it for granted. We don’t always understand how much it means until we lose it, or until we see others yearning for it.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. When you’ve always had something, you don’t realize how vital it is until you’re faced with its absence. But for those who are deprived of it, freedom becomes something more than a right — it becomes a driving force, a vision that gives them hope and direction. The hope for freedom doesn’t just keep people alive; it gives them purpose, a reason to fight against oppression, and a belief that change is possible.” Her tone deepens with clarity, recognizing the power of this longing. “This longing for freedom can be so strong that it can change the course of history. It gives people the courage to stand up, even in the face of unimaginable adversity.”

Jack: “I think I’ve always taken freedom for granted, never fully appreciating the weight it carries for others. It’s easy to forget how powerful that hope for freedom can be when it’s something we’ve always had. But hearing this, it makes me realize that freedom is not just a state of being; it’s a powerful force that shapes people’s lives and drives them to keep going, no matter what.” His voice softens with appreciation for the deeper understanding of freedom. “It’s about understanding the value of freedom not just in terms of what we have, but in terms of what it means to others who have never had it.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s about realizing the value of freedom not just for ourselves, but for others who have never known it. The yearning for freedom, the hope that keeps people going, is something we should all understand and appreciate. It’s that powerful force that pushes us toward change, toward progress, and toward a world where freedom is a right for all.” She smiles gently, a sense of peace in her words. “Freedom is not just about physical liberty; it’s about the opportunity to live a life full of possibility, dignity, and choice. That’s why the hope for freedom is so compelling.”

Jack: “It’s humbling, isn’t it? To realize how much we take freedom for granted, and how much power there is in the hope for it. That hope is a force that drives entire movements, keeps people resilient in the face of hardship, and fuels the quest for change.” His voice grows reflective, filled with a new respect for the power of hope and freedom. “Maybe we need to be more aware of what freedom means to others, to truly appreciate it for what it is.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. The hope for freedom is not just a distant wish; it’s a force that shapes lives, movements, and history. When we understand that, we recognize how important it is to protect and preserve the freedoms we have, and to fight for the freedoms others deserve.” Her smile deepens, filled with optimism. “Freedom is something we must never take for granted, because it’s the driving force behind so many of the most important changes in history.”

Host: The room feels still now, filled with the understanding that freedom is not just a right, but a powerful force that drives people to make change, to endure hardship, and to create a better future. Jack and Jeeny have discovered that the longing for freedom, especially for those who have never had it, is a powerful motivator — one that shapes people’s lives and movements. Pearl S. Buck’s words remind us to appreciate the freedoms we have, and to recognize the importance of hope for those still fighting for theirs.

Jack: “I think I’ve been taking freedom for granted, not fully understanding how powerful the hope for it can be. But now I see that freedom is not just a state of being — it’s a force that shapes lives and drives progress.” His voice is calmer, filled with appreciation. “It’s about understanding the value of freedom for all people, and the power of hope that fuels the fight for it.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. The hope for freedom is what moves us forward, and we must continue to protect and fight for it, for everyone.” She smiles softly, her voice full of peace. “It’s not just about what we have; it’s about ensuring that freedom is something everyone can experience.”

Host: The room feels lighter now, filled with the realization that freedom is a powerful force that shapes not only individuals but the course of history. By recognizing the deep longing for freedom in others, we can better appreciate the freedoms we enjoy and work toward a world where everyone can experience the same hope and liberty.