[jlogajan]

I think what MadIvan is saying is that when you give in to all your passions and temptations, you end up restraining your own freedom.

You mean to say that some of our desires are in conflict with others? Who could deny that? It is impossible to live without having conflicting needs -- that's why we have to prioritize.

The difference between an individualist and a socialist is that the individualist prioritizes his own conflicting needs whereas the socialist insists on prioritizing everyone elses conflicting needs.

[yendu bwam]

No, you still don't get it. When you lose self-restraint, and flee from moderation in any area, you end up losing some of your freedom. Those who are more self-restrained in life usually end up with greater freedom (and greater happiness).