Oh, very difficult question. To make it somewhat easier to consider, I like to use the distinction between positive and negative freedom. These terms were first used 50 years ago by Isaiah Berlin, and in no way mean one is good and the other bad, they are merely names.

Negative freedom could be defined - simply - by the options you have as a person. If you've got lots of options, you have much negative freedom. Any rule you have to live by (at least, any rule not imposed by yourself) limits negative freedom.

Positive freedom is a much wider concept, and defines how much you are in control of the person you want to be. Using your positive freedom means being able to say "I did this and this because of the person I want to be".

For positive freedom it is important to know who you are and what all your choices are. For example, if someone would love to be a great writer, but never has found out because he/she can't read or write, this does not limit negative freedom: you still have the choice, you just don't know you do. It DOES limit positive freedom: you have less possibilities then you would have had if you were forced to learn (which limits negative freedom).

So it is sort of a trade-off. Most people, when talking about freedom, only think of the negative kind and think it's important. For example in BDSM, mostly negative freedom is restricted. I can't imagine why a Dom would limit positive freedom, limit the subs' choices of what kind of person they want to be. Personally I like adding to it, giving more options.

So I guess freedom to me means freedom to be educated and thus knowing who you are and what freedom of choice you really have.

PS: Sorry if this is hard to follow. English is not my first language.