Xiao Nizi’s whimsical thoughts: What is freedom?

The French Maruko-chan is back! This little girl makes you ponder, "What is freedom?"──

　　What is freedom? Is doing whatever you want freedom?
　　Can people only do what they want, regardless of others' opinions?
　　But why are some people willing to sacrifice themselves for the freedom of others?
　　From the individual to others; from expressing opinions to social laws; "freedom" is an eternal question, what is the answer?
　　The little girl said: "It's a great fortune to be able to think, that must be true freedom."

　　Who is this little girl?
　　She loves to ask questions, loves to think; a little sentimental, with some ideas and opinions of her own.
　　Always dwelling on past events, or looking ahead to things that don't yet exist.

　　"It's so annoying! Why can't I have a little freedom in this house?"
　　The little girl had an argument with her mother over internet usage and began to wonder, "Why can't people do whatever they want?"

　　Why can't children do what they want?
　　What does wanting to be free have to do with other people?
　　So, if I grow up quickly, will I be completely free?

　　But why does Dad wash the car himself even though he dislikes it?
　　Why do people still do what others tell them to, even if they don't like their job?
　　And why do some adults sacrifice their lives so that everyone else can be free?
　　Is there really no absolute freedom?

　　Since she is constrained everywhere, would she be freer if she became someone else? Like her classmate, Julie.
　　Julie says whatever she wants, but it hurts Clementine's feelings──
　　People have the freedom to express their opinions, but they must also bear the consequences of hurting others.
　　Just as everyone has freedom of action, but without morality and laws, the world would be in chaos.
　　Living in society, wanting freedom is not easy.
　　Like the little girl who loves to ask questions, but often causes others to be impatient, angry, and unwilling to answer.
　　But she has no other way than to ask questions; she must do so to feel free.
　　So, is freedom about being yourself? But at the same time, people cannot choose what kind of person they will be.
　　Ultimately, perhaps true freedom doesn't exist...

　　The little girl pondered, with no answer,
　　but what is certain is that
　　thinking is a very joyful thing, and being able to think is a kind of freedom!

　　★What do they say about "freedom"?

　　．Freedom and Others
　　Little Girl: I don't really care about what others do; I just want to be free and unrestrained. If others forbid me, I feel very annoyed, especially when I'm not bothering anyone else.
　　Black Cat: But the matter of "freedom" is very closely related to others.
　　Little Girl: Yes, especially when others don't let me do what I want.
　　Black Cat: Sometimes, others can also help you achieve your wishes. For example, there are some things you can't do alone, and others can help you.

　　．Freedom of Expression
　　Little Girl: Clementine, I don't understand why you're angry. You know Julie well, and you know her personality. She deliberately said something unpleasant, and you immediately got angry. Why don't you just let her say whatever she wants and ignore her?
　　Clementine: She can't just talk to anyone any way she wants!
　　Julie: Is that so? What about freedom of expression?
　　Little Girl: Oh, Julie, can't you be a little more careful and not hurt others when you speak?
　　Julie: That's ridiculous! I only criticized her music.
　　Little Girl: No one can stop you from saying whatever you want, that's true. But don't be too surprised if no one wants to talk to you afterward.

　　．The Concept of Freedom
　　Little Girl: "Died for freedom" — these people probably aren't very free now.
　　Uncle Gu: Is that so? But the whole city built a monument for them.
　　Little Girl: I don't quite understand.
　　Uncle Gu: The reason isn't hard to grasp — they sacrificed their lives so that everyone else could be free.
　　Little Girl: Yes, and because of that, they lost their lives, so freedom is useless to them.
　　Uncle Gu: So, you think people only live for themselves?
　　Little Girl: I think I understand now. It's like for our family, we are willing to sacrifice ourselves to do things we don't like.

　　．Freedom and Happiness
　　Mom: Everyone who worries about freedom acts arbitrarily and doesn't think before they act. It's that simple. And no matter what, they're never satisfied.
　　Little Girl: However, this kind of freedom can also bring temporary happiness.
　　Mom: That's true, but it never lasts. It's only in the moment.

Features of this book

　　1.A philosophical gift from Oscar, the father of children's philosophy in France, to Taiwanese readers; think a little every day, and you'll be a little closer to freedom.

　　2.New illustrations by Golden Tripod Award-nominated artist Yang Wan-ching, with lively and dynamic character designs, a modern coloring style, and a refreshing layout, authentically presenting the little girl's whimsical ideas.

　　3.A dedicated introduction by Chu Shih-ying, an international NGO worker and renowned author, guiding readers to practice thinking about "What is freedom."

　　4.The content is close to daily life, the language is simple and easy to understand, and the thinking process is progressive, making it an ideal philosophy primer for ages 9 to 99.