Choices

I have written about various forms of Government across the world.  While I acknowledge all lie and tell the people what they want them to hear, I have declared an admiration for democracy.  I like the personal freedoms that come with such a form of government and the choices allowed.
Yet something occurred to me this morning that I think cuts across all indoctrination and gets to the heart of the matter for any and every individual.  It seems to be truth can be proclaimed externally but can only be known internally.
I am not talking about what is universally affirmed in science, maths, medicine, botany and the like (ie what goes up must come down etc.).  Volumes have been written and studied and will continue to be until the end of time.
What I am thinking about is in the domain of religions like Buddhism, Mohammedi, Judaism, Christianity and the like.  It is populated by guru’s and prophets and their followers.  All claim to be right.  All claim a way to God.
Yet for me it is not enough to hear something.  No matter how compelling it may be.  Unless I experience something for myself then what is said is put on me rather than comes from within me.
There are a couple of things I look for and actions are one.  Words to me are never enough.  Shakespeare and a good book entertain and may hit the nail on the head as far as relating something goes, but the best they can do is entertain.  They may even transform in a finite sense, but they will never change my nature.  What I look for is something that can do what it says.  Something who’s words are backed up by actions.
I look for freedom too.  A freedom not built on external circumstances meeting my criteria, but a freedom I experience despite the external circumstances.  On that basis alone it looks like our society is doomed.  Many live for instant gratification. 
There are those I consider my enemy who play the long game.  They are prepared to wait.  They may not win this year or next, but a time will come when they expect to win.  But again to me this alone is chasing shadows.  To win ushers in another form of captivity. 
Freedom and truth are to me biggies. It seems too many times what is espoused is only like an insect eating plant.  It looks and smells attractive.  I think I can handle it, but it handles me.  The deeper into it I go, the more entrapped I am.  The outcome is the opposite of freedom.
For me in this matter it is not enough to be told something.  I need to prove something.  I can learn heaps through what I am told, but I can only grow heaps by what I experience.  I may need convincing but once convinced and it is my experience, I’m in.