Java: When NOT to use `private`

Question

Since it's regarded bad OO practice to have public variables in a class (instead, use getters and setters) then why not use private on all variables? Why does Java even permit using public if it's bad practice?

(This doesn't apply to functions, obviously)

Answer 1

A public static final variable is a good reason for example. Like a constant.

Answer 2

Having a public or private field is a design decision. The language itself is supposed to enable programmers to make their own design decisions, not enforce a design that the developer or team may not necessarily want to implement.

The more flexible the language, the more powerful it is. It's up to the project manager, the team, or the individual developer to determine the most appropriate way for a field to be accessed.