“The only way to survive is to admit you are on your own, learn to make your own decisions, and trust your judgement. Do not ask for what you need but take it. Depend only on your wits.”

The 50th Law, Chapter 2, Self-Reliance

Caught up in the semantics of life, we often forget that each of us are fully autonomous individuals.

We see the world only through our own eyes.

We make our own decisions and behave in ways we see fit.

We hold our own views and opinions.

Other people cannot read our minds or control our thoughts.

Whilst those around us can help with resources and encouragement, it is up to us to shape our futures—only we can do the work that needs to be done.

Similar to our work ethic, others can offer their advice and help us to make correct decisions, but only we can see the full picture and sense what our intuition is telling us.

Moreover, given that only we can delve deep into the details of our lives and observe the thoughts that race through our brains, our own judgment is informed in a way that cannot be replicated.

For some of us this prospect is terrifying.

To be surrounded by people and yet entirely alone can seem like a fairly uncomfortable and depressing existence.

However, this reality should not be a source of fear but of freedom.