The mind in transition from the pre-subjective state to full subjectivity is in a vulnerable position. It projects its hopes and fears as real and external, in the form of non-physical entities suggested by the discovery of the subjective domain, yet also projected as objectively real. And of course it is vulnerable to manipulation by those who would exploit this aspect of mind to their own advantage. Relative freedom is always contextual. One can vote for one among several candidates, but these options are pre-selected in an elite process.
Freedom is therefore the possibility of playing in a limited range of limiting games.
The absolute freedom spoken of in spiritual traditions is, above all, liberation from the tyranny of the body-mind, the compulsions of organic existence. The tyranny of the body-mind is also experienced as the incessant flow of thoughts. The inner horizon, in other words, is not still, but seething with thoughts, feelings, activity. Its job is to sift good from bad, because by adhering to pleasurable experiences and avoiding painful ones, the survival of the organism in favored. The subject is interior to all experience and to all behavior as well.