Free
Related: free love - libertine - libertarian
If we can't be free at least we can be cheap. --Frank Zappa
Freethought
Freethought is a characteristic of individuals whose opinions are formed on the basis of an understanding and rejection of tradition, authority or established belief. This definition as for example is applicable to thought based on rejection of religious dogma.
Freethinkers tend to form opinions primarily using facts and reason. The term may describe viewpoints independent of established or dogmatic political, social or intellectual views. It most often also describes one who is skeptical about orthodox religious dogma. In Western society, it usually refers to one who questions or refuses to accept Christian dogma.
Many freethinkers believe that the weight of evidence for any claims of supernaturalism are insufficient. No freethinkers accept religious dogma as providing either an acceptable explanation for the origin of the universe or a realistic basis for how properly to live in it. The term derives its meaning from the freedom to question any and all assertions.
There are strong ties between freethought and atheism, deism, heresy, skepticism (scepticism), and both humanism and secular humanism, but none of these terms are synonymous with one another. Freethought may be defined differently by different people. For example, deists believe in the existence of a first cause through rational argument, rather than authority, tradition, or scripture. Atheist freethinkers however disagree that logic or evidence leads to the possibility of a first cause. Some atheist freethinkers hold that freethought is best considered as a religion itself since it offers alternative analyses of and conclusions about religious questions which simply happen not to include supernaturalism.
A related movement is that of the "Brights", a term coined in 2003 by Paul Geisert to refer to people who hold a naturalistic worldview, free of supernatural and mystical elements. --http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freethinker [May 2005]
Free Your Mind And Your Ass Will Follow --Funkadelic
Free Your Mind...And Your Ass Will Follow is a 1971 album by the American funk band Funkadelic. It was released on Westbound Records.
This song is notable for the early use of feedback as part of a musical statement. Many of the songs (such as the titular track, described below, and "Eulogy and Light") subvert Christian themes, including the Lord's Prayer and the 23rd Psalm.
Inspiration: "Let's see if we can cut a whole album while we're all tripping on acid" - George Clinton on the making of Free Your Mind... And Your Ass Will Follow.
On the Billboard Music Charts (North America), Free Your Mind...And Your Ass Will Follow peaked at #11 on the Black Albums Chart and #92 on the Pop Albums chart.
This album and eponymous song influenced the band En Vogue, leading to the title of their hit song "Free Your Mind". --http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Your_Mind...And_Your_Ass_Will_Follow [Feb 2005]
See also: Funkadelic