Consider a human child. We are born objectively helpless. Over time, we develop bodily strength and (ideally) learn correct ways of relating to reality. This is effectively rooted in humility, which is not false modesty as we commonly seem to think, but a habit or disposition of assimilating the truth and conforming ourselves to it. (The opposing vice is pride which is a rebellion against truths that we don't like; the result is alienation from reality and delusion and, therefore, objective helplessness.) Conformity with the truth is a prerequisite of prudence (the ability to be able to discern our true good in any given situation), which is a prerequisite of justice (constancy of will in giving everyone their due), which is a prerequisite of fortitude (the ability to remain steadfast in the pursuit of the good in the face of fear), which is a prerequisite of temperance (the moderation of desire in light of our nature and thus objective good).
The point? That we need to learn and acquire virtue to attain self-mastery which is true freedom. (Note the "self". It is not about controlling or dominating others.) There is no one so helpless as someone who is a slave to his passions.
The point? That we need to learn and acquire virtue to attain self-mastery which is true freedom. (Note the "self". It is not about controlling or dominating others.) There is no one so helpless as someone who is a slave to his passions.