自由的可能與方法，是古今中外哲人共同探討的議題。兩千年前的老子，主張形上道體遍在萬物，故萬物雖各自殊異，地位卻是平等，必須尊重萬物，藉以延伸出成全物我本性，因自化而自由的觀點。此路徑可以用作個人修養，也可指導執政者，以無為治國，使人民效法形上道體，透過自化而實現自由。柏林從經驗主義與個人主義的角度出發，認為自由有「積極自由」與「消極自由」兩者，以為消極自由才能達到真正的自由。然而不論是何種自由，都是以個人主義為核心的自由。人必須有自覺，擺脫「決定論」，重拾自主權，並對自己的決定負責。

The possibility and method of freedom is an issue that is discussed jointly by ancient and modern philosophers both at home and abroad. The two thousand years ago, Laozi advocated the formation of Taoism in all things. Therefore, although all things are different, their status is equal. Everything must be respected, so as to extend the view that the whole thing is my own nature and free because of self-ification. This path can be used as a personal cultivation, or it can guide the ruling party, and use the inaction to rule the country, so that the people can imitate the law and achieve freedom through self-transformation. From the perspective of empiricism and individualism, Berlin believes that freedom has both "positive freedom" and "negative freedom", and that negative freedom can achieve true freedom. However, no matter what kind of freedom, freedom is the core of individualism. People must be conscious, get rid of "determinism", regain their autonomy, and be responsible for their decisions.