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I offer images - I conjure memories of freedom that can still be reached - like the Doors, right? But we can only open the doors, we can't drag people through. I can't free them unless they want to be free. Maybe primitive people have less bullshit to let go of, to give up. A person has to be willing to give up everything - not just wealth. All the bullshit that he's been taught - all society's brainwashing. You have to let go of all that to get to the other side. Most people aren't willing to do that.

Jim Morrison#54

FreedomChangeSocietyChoice

About this quote

What does it mean?
He acknowledges that while he can inspire freedom, individuals must willingly shed societal conditioning to truly be free.
In plain terms
Artists can show the way but you must walk it yourself.
What can you take from it?
True freedom requires personal willingness to shed conditioning.

Where it applies

  • personal transformation
  • seeking truth
  • overcoming dogma

Putting it to work

  • shed conditioning
  • claim agency
  • seek truth

Questions to consider

  • What do you need to let go of?
  • Are you willing to change?

Another view

It places full responsibility on the individual to ignore societal context.

More from Jim Morrison

  1. I like any reaction I can get with my music. Just anything to get people to think. I mean if you can get a whole room full of drunk, stoned people to actually …

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  2. I see myself as a huge fiery comet, a shooting star. Everyone stops, points up and gasps 'Oh look at that!' Then - whoosh, and I'm gone... and they'll never se…

    Permalink to quote #55
  3. I like people who shake other people up and make them feel uncomfortable.

    Permalink to quote #52

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