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About this quote

What does it mean?
Living alone is equated with freedom. It suggests dependence is a form of enslavement.
In plain terms
You are a slave if you need others to live.
What can you take from it?
Self-reliance is the only true freedom.

Where it applies

  • evaluating relationships
  • building independence
  • choosing solitude

Putting it to work

  • Assess your dependencies
  • Build self-reliance
  • Value solitude

Questions to consider

  • Are you truly free?
  • What does dependence cost you?

Another view

It ignores the human need for connection and support.

More from Fernando Pessoa

  1. Liberty is the possibility of isolation.

    Permalink to quote #119
  2. And let our despite go to those who work and fight and our hate to those who hope and trust.

    Permalink to quote #121
  3. It's certain that, when hearing from any of those people the story of their sexual marathons, a vague suspicion pervades us, at about the seventh deflowering.

    Permalink to quote #118

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