In one of my online classes, a quote jumped out and stuck to me like a hook in a great beat:
“We are makers of our character, and that is an expression of our freedom.”
Simple. Direct. But man, that’s a whole universe packed into a sentence.
It made me think about how we talk about freedom today. A lot of people think freedom is about breaking rules, doing whatever you feel like in the moment, no boundaries. But what if real freedom is actually about who you become—and not just what you’re allowed to do?
Aristotle Would’ve Loved This Quote
Let’s take it back. In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle was on a mission to answer the Big Question:
How do we live a good life?
His answer? By developing virtue—qualities like courage, honesty, patience, and self-control. Not through luck or vibes or good genes. You don’t just wake up wise. You have to practice being the person you want to be. Every day.
And that’s where the quote hits:
We are makers of our character.
Aristotle believed that your habits shape your soul. Do generous things? You become a generous person. Cut corners or lie often enough? You’re shaping that too. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about putting in reps. Choosing who you want to be, over and over.
Freedom Isn’t Just Choice—It’s Responsibility
The second part of the quote is where it goes deep:
“...and that is an expression of our freedom.”
In Aristotle’s view, your ability to choose how you act, even when it’s hard, is what separates humans from animals. And it’s what gives value to virtue. If you have to be brave, that’s not brave—it’s instinct. But if you choose to be brave, knowing the risk? That’s character.
So the freedom isn’t just about what you’re allowed to do. It’s about what you do with that freedom. That’s the spark. That’s where growth begins.
What This Means for Us Today
Whether you’re producing music, writing stories, raising kids, building a business, or just trying to get through the week with your integrity intact—your character is being shaped. Every decision is like a chisel carving out who you’re becoming.
You might not control your circumstances, but you always have power over how you respond. That’s your creative power. That’s your freedom.
🎤 Final Word: You’re the Artist of Your Own Becoming
Aristotle didn’t have Spotify or Zoom classes, but he absolutely understood what it means to craft something meaningful. And the most important thing you’ll ever craft?
You.
So next time you find yourself at a crossroads—big or small—remember:
You’re not just making a choice.
You’re making yourself.
And that? That’s freedom at its finest.
