"La vie domestique n'est pas plus naturelle pour nous qu'une cage ne l'est pour un cacatoès."

The idea behind this quote is simple yet profound: the notion of a conventional home life is not inherently natural to humans, just as a cage isn't the natural habitat for a cockatoo. It's suggesting that our societal norms and expectations about living arrangements and family structures may be more about conformity and less about what truly fits our innate human nature.

Let's take a step back in history. This sentiment echoes the thoughts of various philosophers and social critics who have questioned societal norms. Think of Henry David Thoreau and his retreat to Walden Pond. He was all about breaking away from society's expectations to find a more natural and fulfilling way of living. In the 19th century, he saw the growing industrialization and urbanization as forces that distanced people from their natural state and true selves.

Now, let’s dive into a real-life example. Picture someone who has always lived in the city, confined within the four walls of an apartment. They follow the 9-to-5 grind, come home to their small living space, and repeat the cycle. One day, they decide to take a sabbatical, travel to a remote village, and live with a community that practices sustainable farming. The first few days, they might feel out of place, but soon they start to feel a connection with the land, the people, and the simpler way of life. They realize that the daily stresses and the confined living were not their natural state. This new life, closer to nature and human connections, feels more genuine.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by questioning the norms you’ve always followed. Do you really need that big house in the suburbs, or would you be happier in a smaller space in the countryside or even traveling around? It's about finding what environment and lifestyle truly make you feel at ease and fulfilled. Maybe it's incorporating more time outdoors, simplifying your living space, or even rethinking your career to align more with your passions.

Imagine a young woman named Lucy. She’s got a high-paying job in the corporate world, a nice apartment, and everything society says should make her happy. But she’s stressed, anxious, and feels caged. One weekend, she goes on a camping trip with friends. For the first time in years, she feels free. The open sky, the sound of leaves rustling, the sense of community with her friends around the campfire—it sparks something in her. She starts making small changes: more weekend trips, bringing plants into her apartment, ultimately deciding to downsize and move closer to nature. She even changes her job to something less stressful. Lucy’s not following the conventional path anymore, but she’s happier and feels more like herself.

In the end, it’s about finding what feels natural to you. Challenge the norms, try new things, and don’t be afraid to live outside the cage society might have built. Life can be richer and more fulfilling when we dare to step out and find what truly resonates with us.