On being free

[Magical Realist]

The ability of humans to get used to and even become content with what cards they are dealt is so powerful that I suspect that no matter which course they settle for in life, it will always feel like the one best suited to their natures. It's why people who have been prison inmates for years suddenly encounter despair and confusion upon being released. Feeling free is the key here, not actually being free. Most people simply cannot handle being actually and totally free. Is this a discouraging thought or an encouraging one?

[C C]

Freedom to do and be anything we want without limit is obviously impossible except in lucid dreams or future simulated worlds with avatar surrogates. "Free" as in autonomy -- being able to form or acquire and conform to one's own preferences, as well as the capacity to re-program one's mind or habits -- is possible to a limited extent. But not much in an era where various types of slavery and serfdom dominate.