Are Germans afraid of freedom and personal responsibility?
Freedom and personal responsibility are two sides of the same coin. Anyone who wants to live in a free society must take responsibility for their own life and their decisions. But what is the relationship of Germans to these principles? Are they afraid of freedom and the personal responsibility that comes with it?
by Thomas Kliem
by Thomas Kliem
The Historical Mortgage
German history is characterized by strong state structures that have profoundly intervened in the lives of its citizens. From the authoritarian state of the German Empire to the totalitarian dictatorships of the 20th century to the modern welfare state: the idea that the state plays a guiding, protective, and often patronizing role is deeply rooted. This tradition has led many Germans to view the state as a kind of surrogate father, caring for them and protecting them from life's challenges.
Security instead of freedom?
Germany is famous for its bureaucracy, its comprehensive social security systems, and its dense regulatory framework. All of this serves the goal of security. But security is often the antithesis of freedom. Those who insist on minimizing all risks inevitably forgo individual freedom. Germans are considered masters of insurance: whether liability insurance, occupational disability insurance, or comprehensive insurance - the need for protection is enormous. This suggests a deep-rooted security mentality, which is accompanied by a conscious or unconscious distrust of one's own ability to take personal responsibility.
The Welfare State as a Double-Edged Sword
The German welfare state is one of the great achievements of the 20th century. It provides for those in need and creates a certain degree of social justice. But it also has a downside: It can disempower people and drive them into a state of dependency. When the state is always available as a last resort, the motivation to take care of oneself diminishes. Responsibility is abdicated instead of being taken on. This is reflected in the widespread expectation that "the state has to take care of things," whether in pension policy, healthcare, or even economic crises.
The Desire for Clear Rules
Another indication of a certain fear of freedom is the German penchant for rules and norms. Hardly any other country has so many regulations governing everything from waste separation to store closing times. Order is not just a principle here, but almost a cultural identity. Rules create security, but they also limit decision-making flexibility. While other nations improvise and rely on their own initiative, Germans tend to wait for instructions or approval.
Is there hope for more personal responsibility?
But there are also counter-trends. The growing number of self-employed people, the renaissance of entrepreneurship, and the increased interest in financial education show that more and more people are willing to take responsibility for their own lives. Furthermore, the coronavirus pandemic has shown many that blind trust in state structures is not always the best strategy.
Freedom and personal responsibility are challenges, but also opportunities. Germans aren't fundamentally afraid of them, but cultural and historical influences make the path more difficult. Those who embrace freedom must accept the risk of failure. But this is precisely the key: True freedom lies only in overcoming challenges with personal responsibility.
March 11, 2025
Thomas Kliem has been working in financial consulting since 1987 and can therefore look back on many years of experience. In the 1990s, he served and advised wealthy bank clients. Through his work at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, he gained extensive experience in the investment sector. In 2001, Mr. Kliem founded his own company. Since then, he has specialized in his core competencies.
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German history is characterized by strong state structures that have profoundly intervened in the lives of its citizens. From the authoritarian state of the German Empire to the totalitarian dictatorships of the 20th century to the modern welfare state: the idea that the state plays a guiding, protective, and often patronizing role is deeply rooted. This tradition has led many Germans to view the state as a kind of surrogate father, caring for them and protecting them from life's challenges.
Security instead of freedom?
Germany is famous for its bureaucracy, its comprehensive social security systems, and its dense regulatory framework. All of this serves the goal of security. But security is often the antithesis of freedom. Those who insist on minimizing all risks inevitably forgo individual freedom. Germans are considered masters of insurance: whether liability insurance, occupational disability insurance, or comprehensive insurance - the need for protection is enormous. This suggests a deep-rooted security mentality, which is accompanied by a conscious or unconscious distrust of one's own ability to take personal responsibility.
The Welfare State as a Double-Edged Sword
The German welfare state is one of the great achievements of the 20th century. It provides for those in need and creates a certain degree of social justice. But it also has a downside: It can disempower people and drive them into a state of dependency. When the state is always available as a last resort, the motivation to take care of oneself diminishes. Responsibility is abdicated instead of being taken on. This is reflected in the widespread expectation that "the state has to take care of things," whether in pension policy, healthcare, or even economic crises.
The Desire for Clear Rules
Another indication of a certain fear of freedom is the German penchant for rules and norms. Hardly any other country has so many regulations governing everything from waste separation to store closing times. Order is not just a principle here, but almost a cultural identity. Rules create security, but they also limit decision-making flexibility. While other nations improvise and rely on their own initiative, Germans tend to wait for instructions or approval.
Is there hope for more personal responsibility?
But there are also counter-trends. The growing number of self-employed people, the renaissance of entrepreneurship, and the increased interest in financial education show that more and more people are willing to take responsibility for their own lives. Furthermore, the coronavirus pandemic has shown many that blind trust in state structures is not always the best strategy.
Freedom and personal responsibility are challenges, but also opportunities. Germans aren't fundamentally afraid of them, but cultural and historical influences make the path more difficult. Those who embrace freedom must accept the risk of failure. But this is precisely the key: True freedom lies only in overcoming challenges with personal responsibility.
March 11, 2025
Thomas Kliem has been working in financial consulting since 1987 and can therefore look back on many years of experience. In the 1990s, he served and advised wealthy bank clients. Through his work at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, he gained extensive experience in the investment sector. In 2001, Mr. Kliem founded his own company. Since then, he has specialized in his core competencies.
HIER GEHTS ZUM NEUEN BUCH
TICKET´S ZUR SHOW "SONGS & STORIES"
TICKET´S ZUR SHOW "ER IST WIEDER DA"
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