The individuals' capacity (and hence freedom) is either enhanced or diminished (by necessities, hardware, devices, ideas etc.). Whenever we enhance we are forced to obtain our masters' (the State) approval (licensing, diplomas etc.). We may (sometimes) diminish at our leisure (often it's forced, of course). Taking 'pride' in doing so strikes me as a kind of Stockholm syndrome i.e. perverse. Once you are sufficiently diminished the State only need remind you of your true condition and in that way appear to control you with a 'light hand'. Nobody wants to be
private Pile- it's easier on the ego to pretend you take 'pride' in your (real) circumstance. However, in fact, you're heading deeper into servitude (and dragging everyone else down with you).