Topic
Independence is the condition of acting from one's own judgment rather than borrowed permission. In these quotes, independence appears through political liberty, courage, happiness, and instinct that operates apart from reason. Some lines honor those who won independence by believing liberty to be the secret of happiness and courage the secret of liberty. Others define instinct by its independence from rational calculation. The collection treats independence as both public and inward. Nations seek it from domination; persons seek it from fear, fashion, and dependence on approval. Yet independence without wisdom can become isolation or impulse. True independence requires courage, but also responsibility for what freedom chooses. Read this topic when you are trying to stand apart from pressure, and let these quotes help you claim freedom that is thoughtful, brave, and answerable to conscience. Let independence mature into freedom that can choose wisely without waiting for permission.