Freedom is often seen as endless choice—abundant paths and options. Yet too many choices breed paralysis, anxiety, and indecision, especially with risks of loss or wasted time.
Achieving “true freedom” requires skill and value, reducing anxiety through the power to opt out (strong agency). These are qualities earned through disciplined, often long, unfree periods of restraint to achieve personal/professional growth.
Freedom isn’t innate; it’s a narrow path of choices forged over time.
This self-enslavement in pursuit of freedom is a paradox: if you give up on the idea of “earned freedom,” you could be free right now, only to be enslaved by circumstances later.