A free-thinker is the one who doesn't accept any theory without sufficient evidence. I have no doubt in calling myself a free-thinker. I am very happy to say I have freed my thought from religious or any other sectarian bias since a very young age ( at 16 ).
We must always understand the World as it is not as we want it to be. Our opinions should always be formed on the basis of reason and empirical evidence, not on authority, tradition or dogma. Besides, science has become a big help to the human race in the objective understanding of the World. So, it only can form a solid foundation for our knowledge.
I believe the matter is the fundamental substance in nature and everything including our thoughts and emotions are the effects of the matter. Nothing other than matter (and its different forms) exist in the Universe. Our thoughts and emotions have physical basis as they are the functions of our brain.
Human beings are essentially rational but everywhere they are chained by dogmas and superstitions. I feel religion has outlived its utility and should forever be thrown out of human life. The majority of the strife in the present-day world rises from sectarian ideologies like religion, caste, creed, nationalism and racism etc which don't stand any scientific test. Science only can facilitate liberty, equality and fraternity among human beings.
I give utmost importance to individual freedom and vehemently oppose any theory or institution that cripples it. Moreover, I think all theories and institutions should facilitate the freedom and progress of individuals both at the individual and social level. Whatever harms individual freedom always harms society as well. Remember, there is no existence of society extraneous to individuals. I hate every kind of dictatorship whether they are established by theists or atheists. Individual freedom should not be sacrificed on the altar of any collectivism. That is why, I unequivocally reject all the narrow ideas and practices of "Nationalism", "Capitalism" and "Communism".