Now when people lack a theory of life-of why they are here, what they should strive to do, and what they should try to become-when the present is all, the future nothing, they have no reason to prize freedom, for freedom is simply an atmosphere in which it is possible for an individual to make his future better than his past. If he does not envision or believe in a better future-if he is not conscious of having a destination, freedom is of little importance to him.
It is a matter of public knowledge, says Tillich, that "everyone in our social structure is managed." Even those who think they are managers know that they in turn are managed, he says. We live under a sort of regimentation by consent.
It is reported that American GI's, taken prisoner in Korea, knew so little about the philosophy of life in a free country that they could not explain to their captors what the American dream is or how it differs from communism.
Well, what are we here for? This basic question-which Tillich calls the religious question-is seldom discussed. It is almost never raised in our schools. Only the unusual lad springs it on his philosophy professor, and is fortunate if he gets a satisfying answer.
Perhaps a final answer is not to be expected. The greatness of certain questions lies in the fact that they cannot be answered. Let us consider an exploratory answer and see what consequence it might have.
The athlete seeks development of physique. He strives to build his muscles and to improve his coordination.
