Negative freedom is liberty from control, from regulation, and from restraint. People under positive freedom live in mutual accord governed by laws that protect the vital interests of all. An example is where vast numbers of automobiles, driven by non-professional drivers, ply crowded streets rarely having difficulty. Here, all benefit while most follow the rules although they might find it easier to speed, to cut corners, to use wrong lanes, or to ignore traffic signals. People acting without controls under negative freedom do so although their exercise of freedom might violate the rights of others.
True freedom requires individual maturity and self-restraint.
If many citizens fail this duty, the society must either fall or become oppressive. Positive freedom, under law and under self-restraint, is outlined in the Declaration of Independence of the United States and in the basic documents of other western countries. It is also completely defined in the Holy Scriptures, the Bible. The apostle, Paul, wrote in I Cor. All things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.