The first step towards freedom
Understand the difference between the good, the bad, and the indifferent.
The first step towards freedom is understanding you are capable of achieving it. All you need is a good ordering of the mind. The key aspect is understanding the difference between the good, the bad, and the indifferent.
Good. The only good is moral good. Things you have control over. Committing social acts, doing your best work, taking care of the people around you. Focusing on fixing the things you control and not worrying about the things you don’t.
Bad. The only bad is morally bad. Screwing someone over to get a material benefit, being jealous, acting in a way that doesn’t benefit humankind. Being troubled about things you don’t control.
Indifferent. Everything else in the world. Diseases, accidents, material wealth, pandemics, and anything else we generally consider as “bad”. If it’s according to nature and not under our control, it’s indifferent. We don't care. We can't change it, only to accept it. It’s incredible how many things we generally think of as “bad” are actually indifferent.
Don’t live your life in “auto” mode - with minimal reflection, with low intention.
Reflect, understand. Be intentional, be good.
This is the path to freedom.